I am currently assisting teachers at a high school in Johannesburg to implement the Universal Design for Learning and I need practical tips for them on how to do it.
Gladys Ayaya I suggest you to select a topic of interest to be learned, and then select different modes of representation of this topic from different perspectives. This is really useful for interdisciplinary learing. I always suggest to think about what Edgar Morin said: Human Condition is a macro-topic where disciplines converge. select an other topic linked to the previous one. Now you can manage to show different modes of representation of the topic. For example: the colour blue. Which story there is behind (it was discovered through traffic excahnges or in other ways)? What emotions and sentiments are culturally linked to this colour? How it is chemically obtained? Of course, this strategies open-up curiosity and probably the will of doing a individual or a reserch group, searching for information and apply critical thinking and creativity. An other example: explore the youtube canal Kurgesagt in a Nutshell, it is in english and explores a lot of thematics through animation videos, it is very engaging! Let me know if this was useful for teachers and in class! Good luck!
So far I have emphasized UDL with a different learning style approach in dealing with student diversity and differences. Because each teaching method depends on the student's way or style of learning, their personality and abilities.
Such a great question! First, teachers really do need to be trained in UDL. It is a way of thinking, not a strategy. Second, there is a good chance teachers are already doing at least some things that fit within the UDL framework. It is easier for people to see themselves build on a practice than it is to get them to change it. Third, one of the most important features of the UDL framework is the emphasis on creating expertise in learning. Students need to learn how they learn, to be adaptable, and self-driven. If you look across the bottom of the UDL's famous 1 page chart, you'll see specific metacognitive language. High school teachers should find it powerful and relevant. And, the APA has some great materials to help teachers understand how to teach these skills. Find me on LinkedIn if you ever want to chat. :)
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