Learning, Teaching & Leading Today

"Kathleen McClaskey's insight:

A much anticipateed book on UDL research is now available.

 

'This book considers the major research areas that underlie UDL and call out for further exploration in the years ahead. Each of the book’s six chapters includes a groundbreaking article that is centrally related to the larger UDL project, along with reflections on that article by contemporary researchers. As David H. Rose notes in his afterword, "the authors of this collection have set out to do more than revitalize and illuminate the foundations of UDL. They have set out also to prepare the field—to set the context—for the kind of research that needs to come now.'"

Via Kathleen McClaskey

How do you know what’s going on in their heads if they don’t say anything? If you have students who are too quiet, chances are there is something they are not telling you, which you’ll need to find out – fast!

Via Nik Peachey

Prof. Hacker shares a unique perspective on how Angry Birds can teach us about Universal Design for Instruction and Universal Design for Learning.

 

"I think that Angry Birds is so fun to play because it helps develop our meta-cognitive skills. Throughout playing Angry Birds, one must pay attention to the strategies being employed, adjust one’s play as needed to achieve certain goals and objectives, and transfer what you have learned about a bird’s capabilities several levels ago to the current level.

 

In short, Angry Birds is a powerful metaphor for learning. As I was recently playing the game, I could not help but think: what if my classroom was more like this? Would students have a better learning experience?"

 

Consider the following:

> Angry Birds involves practice without penalty.

> Angry Birds offers the opportunity for constant feedback.

> Angry Birds inherently teachers that different tools have different purposes.

> Angry Birds rewards perseverance.

> Angry Birds gives no time limit.

 

"No wonder we are all addicted to this game! Now if only we could ensure that our classrooms are always safe spaces to practice new strategies, offer students a range of possibilities for how to succeed in their learning, give our students constant feedback, and support knowledge transfer within and among our courses."

Via Kathleen McClaskey

"PhET provides fun, interactive, research-based simulations of physical phenomena for free.

 

To help students visually comprehend concepts, PhET simulations animate what is invisible to the eye through the use of graphics and intuitive controls such as click-and-drag manipulation, sliders and radio buttons. In order to further encourage quantitative exploration, the simulations also offer measurement instruments including rulers, stop-watches, voltmeters and thermometers. As the user manipulates these interactive tools, responses are immediately animated thus effectively illustrating cause-and-effect relationships as well as multiple linked representations."

 

Why UDL?  PhET simulations offers multiple means of representation and action and multiple means of engagement.  There is also a translation tool to translate any of these simulations in a multitude of languages.

 

Via Kathleen McClaskey

"In this Kappa Delta Pi Record article, Susan Trostle Brand (University of Rhode Island/Kingston), Antoinette Favazza (University of Rhode Island), and Elizabeth Dalton (TechACCESS) present ways that teachers can use Universal Design for Learning to make lessons accessible to students with a wide spectrum of learning styles and abilities:

 

> Multiple means of representation – Giving students options for perception, language and symbols, and comprehension"

 

> Multiple means for engagement – A constructivist approach can support active engagement through:

- Recruiting student interest

- Sustaining effort and persistence

- Self-regulation

 

> "Multiple means for action and expression – Varying physical action, expressive skills and fluency, and executive functions

 

> Multiple means of assessing understanding – This includes methods, formats, scope/range level, product and outcome, and feedback"

 

“Universal Design for Learning: A Blueprint for Success for All Learners” by Susan Trostle Brand, Antoinette Favazza, and Elizabeth Dalton in Kappa Delta Pi Record, July-September 2012 (Vol. 48, #3, p. 134-139), http://bit.ly/OeUOSF

Via Kathleen McClaskey

Learn where UDL is being successfully implemented in Postsecondary Education!

 

"Universal Design for Learning (UDL)is an important educational framework to consider for postsecondary education. Thoughtful planning through the lens of UDL can offer important options for learners as they navigate a range of college or career postsecondary opportunites.We know that students are incredibly diverse in their learning needs, preparation, and approaches. UDL offers a practical instructional method to anticipate this learner variability and provide every student with equal opportunities to learn.

UDL is also an effective means for shaping learning experiences outside the classroom, such as online instruction, hands-on learning, or work-study experiences."

Via Kathleen McClaskey