Udl Comments the Universal Design for Learning

UDL Comments

The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is ironically titled due to its practical application to many diverse and segmented groups of students. Regardless of the semantics, the philosophy and approach behind the theories contained in UDL contain solid principles that can be ascertained and implemented by staff and faculty at all levels of education.

In my particular situation there is a unique set of circumstances that ultimately allow for the UDL system to be a worthwhile application of curriculum modification. All the students in my school have unique social and cultural barriers to overcome in order to realize some educational success. Oftentimes these qualities are hidden from plain sight and a deeper and more reasonable approach appears to be necessitated by this cultural diversification.

The UDL approach offers many benefits that are evident in my school situation. Options can be presented that best suit the current students needs. Perhaps the grades themselves should be abolished as they present certain curriculum challenges that cannot be easily addressed nor simply corrected through good intentions.

Teachers must implement UDL principles through a prudent and effective strategy that addresses the needs of the particular student, or student group that me be facing a disadvantage from the materials being presented. In my school there are various non-white cultural and racial groups that come from households with differing values and experiences. It is the duty and responsibility of each teacher to uphold the profession and try to achieve equality and equal distribution of resources and effort.

Universal design learning needs to demonstrate the principles behind the theory in order for any success to be realized in its utilization. Providing education with multiple avenues of representation and form, and new ways of engaging and expression are at the core of this type of approach and developers of curriculum should keep an open mind about what may or may not work and in what particular circumstances it is possible.