Universal Design Learning & Differentiation Binding Two Concepts of Instruction in the Classroom

Introduction Since every child learns differently due to cultural background differences ranging from race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, and socio-economic status just to name a few, it is essential that educators implement various learning styles and instructional techniques into their educational curriculums that will ensure every individual student will academically suceed. Therefore, incorporating two instructional concepts: universal design learning and differentiation in classroom curriculums especially teaching based on common core state standards, would beneficial in how well every individual student learns.

Universal Design Learning (UDL) & Differentiating Instruction (DI) According to Kathleen S. Puckett in the textbook: Differentiating Instruction: A Practical Guide defines, “Universal Design Learning refers to a process by which goals, methods, materials, and assessments address individual differences from the beginning, rather than retrolifting or adapting after problems become evident” (Puckett, 2013, Chapter 3.1, Universal Design for Learning). “Differentiating Instruction (DI) is a philosphy or approach to teaching, that describes the teacher’sresponse to students’ needs. It is guided by effective teaching practices that begin with a high quality curriculum that reflects clear goals, meaningful activities, and authentic assessment” (Puckett, 2013, Chapter 1.1, Overview of Differentiated Instruction).

Illustrations

Classroom Instruction I plan on binding universal design learning and differentiating instruction together in my classroom by using educational games to assist students with their various learning styles. I will create three versions of the game: advance, immediate, and basic. The advance educational games will be for advanced learners; the immediate educational game will be for proficient learners; the basic educational game will be for learners with learning disabilities and learners who perform poorly academically. The educational games are to ensure that every child succeed succesfully with the classroom curriculum/coursework. For example, the game Jeopardy will a instructional learning tool. The questions and answers for the game wiil be relevant to the course material being taught such as English pertinent to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts (ELA).

Classroom Instruction cont. I will present new information to my students by editing and updating classroom coursework material when needed. Students will demonstrate their prior background knowledge of the course material by their performance on pre-assessment testing. My strategies to engage and motivate students to learn will be by having students to perform classroom groupwork assignments, activities, and projects, as well as individual classroom assignments activities, and projects. I will have implement their ideas into classroom activities and projects to enhance their individual uniqueness and creativity. According to Janet Mannheimer Zydney and Ted S. Hasselbring in the scholarly journal article: Mnin anchors:A universal design for learning approach, “In today’s society, we need to prepare all children to be able to solve problems and think critically about the world around them” (Zydney & Hasselbring, 2014).

References Edutopia. (n.d.). Website. Retrieved from National Center on Universal Design for Learning. (n.d.). Website. Retrieved from National Center on Universal Design for Learning. (n.d.). Website. Retrieved from Puckett, K (2013). Differentiating Instruction: A Practical Guide. Bridgepoint Education: San Diego, CA.Differentiating Instruction: A Practical Guide Teachers Pay Teachers. n.d.). Website. Retrieved from Teachers Pay Teachers. n.d.). Website. Retrieved from Zydney, J., Hasselbring, T. (2014). Mini anchors:A universal design for learning approach. TechTrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning. 58(6) p21-28.