Foundations of Universal Design

As student populations become more diverse in higher education, using techniques that reach a broader range of abilities becomes pedagogically necessary.  Universal Design for Learning (UDL) offers a framework that promotes an inclusive education by reducing unintentional or unnecessary barriers and maximizing learning opportunities for all students.  By implementing UDL principles, educators can create learning environments that are more flexible and responsive to the individual needs of all students.

Inclusive Instruction: Practical ways to create teaching practices that engage and support all learners

Best-practice instruction incorporates more than one method of presenting information. Using multiple learning modalities helps reinforce understanding and allows students to engage in ways that fit their strengths. A combination of at least two of the three common learning modalities sets the stage for authentic learning:

• Visual: Seeing (images, slides, diagrams, charts)

• Auditory: Hearing (lectures, discussions, audio recordings)

• Kinesthetic: Doing (hands-on activities, movement, or physical engagement)

Suggested practices to incorporate a multi-modal and inclusive approach:

1. Combine verbal explanations with visual supports such as slides, diagrams, or infographics.
2. Use slide shows with automatic captions (PowerPoint or Google Slides).
3. Record lectures or short video summaries and post them in Blackboard for flexible review.
4. Incorporate collaborative or group-based learning activities that promote engagement.
5. Use real-life examples or case studies to connect concepts to practical applications.
6. Provide opportunities for reflection through journaling or personal response assignments.
7. Encourage learning communities where students can share notes and collaborate on study materials.
8. Use discussion boards or low-stakes online reflections to give all students a voice.
9. Provide visual aids and clearly labeled graphics to enhance understanding.
10. Use closed captioning for all video clips and movies. For more information on closed captioning visit our Assistive Technology page.