How We Teach

Universal Design for Learning

UDL is based on the idea that there is no such thing as a "typical" or "average" student, and that “when it comes to learning, variability is the rule not the exception”. UDL is not about any single specific teaching practice. It is, instead, a combination of best-practice approaches to engage students and challenge them to think critically. It helps instructors meet the learning needs of a diverse student body through a combination of instructional modalities, formats and technologies.

When applying UDL to teaching, follow these three core principles that enable greater flexibility to meet individual needs. These principles guide the design of learning outcomes, assessments, methods and resources. UDL is simply good teaching practice; teachers at Rossbourne already incorporate practices that are well aligned with UDL principles.

• Multiple modes of student engagement that tap into learners’ interests, challenge them appropriately and motivate them to learn

• Multiple methods of representation that give learners a variety of ways to acquire information and build knowledge

• Multiple means of student action and expression that provide learners with alternatives for demonstrating what they have learned.