 Universal design for learning (UDL) is a guideline to use in education that provides a flexible design and implementation to the curriculum (Ralabate, 2011).This allows teachers to provide students with options on how they receive information, respond to the information, and engage in the process (Ralabate, 2011).  The three principles of UDL include: 1. Multiple means of representation 2. Multiple means of action and expression 3. Multiple means of engagement (Ralabate, 2011).

 Differentiated instruction is meeting the educational needs of all learners through tailoring instruction to individual students based on their readiness, interest, and learning profile (Tomlinson, 2015).  The four elements that can be differentiated include: 1. Content 2. Process 3. Product 4. Environment (Tomlinson, 2015)

Similarities  Share the same goal of meeting the needs of the diverse student's.  Provide a flexible and engaging curriculum.  Provide multiple methods of learning Differences  Differentiation focuses on student readiness versus UDL is the same curriculum for all students but delivered in various methods.  Differentiation assesses students progress through informal assessment versus UDL assesses students formally.

 Presenting new information through the use of perception and providing several different ways to present information. Such as, larger text size for students, videos with captions, and technology devices (Puckett, 2013).  Providing visual, audio, and kinesthetic forms of learning to meet the needs of all students (Puckett, 2013).

Students can demonstrate their prior knowledge through:  Graphic organizers  Concept maps  K-W-L charts.  Wordle activity

Strategies to engage and motivate students by blending UDL and DI include:  Providing options and choices through activities and delivery methods  Activating students prior knowledge  Provide a supportive and accepting classroom environment  Goal setting and incentives (Puckett, 2013).

Puckett, K (2013). Differentiating Instruction: A Practical Guide. Bridgepoint Education: San Diego, CA. Ralabate, P., (2011). Universal Design for Learning: Meeting the Needs of All Students. Retrieved from: for-Learning--Meeting-the-Needs-of-All-Students/ Tomlinson, C., (2015). What is Differentiated Instruction? Retrieved from: