Part 1: The Profile
Part 2: What is a UDL?
UDL is an abbreviation for Universal Design for Learning. What does a UDL do? A UDL is an instructional model that "guides the design of learning experiences to proactively meet the needs of all learners" Posey (n,d.). The purpose of these Universal Designs for Learning is to individually evaluate each student in order to find their strengths, areas of need, and interests in different learning areas. These three learning areas are recognition, strategy, and affect. The teacher (usually with the student or student's guardians) works collaboratively to define the different levels of ability for each of the three areas of the UDL. The recognition element of UDL is finding "what" the methods of learning are that are important to an individual student. Strategy is "how" an individual remembers information and areas of difficulty for the student. Finally, affect is discovering "why" students learn and through which types of activities. "It is important to start with the WHY of learning. We need a voice and choice so we own our learning and the development of agency." Bray, Barbara (2019).
Taking the student and their individual needs into consideration is pivotal to providing each student with the tools, materials, and environment they need in order to be successful. This consideration for each individual learner creates a flexible and accommodative environment for students to learn in their own ways. This also creates a proactive and responsive teaching style where the educator predicts and responds to each individual's needs when teaching new lessons and reviewing previous content. In order for teachers to meet the needs of their diverse learners, teachers may need a variety of tools. Some of these tools may be extra support staff for the student, sensory tools and toys, modified worksheets, electronic devices, hearing aides, and more.
There are many strengths to the UDL instructional model, but there can also be some drawbacks. There are a number of positives to this method, including the creation of specific individual learning plans. Creating a plan for each student is an amazing way to make sure each student is getting exactly what they need in the classroom in order to thrive in their learning environment. Working collaboratively with the students on an individual basis to create their learning plans also makes each student feel invested in their learning journey. A downside to the creation of multiple student learning profiles is being able to meet all the individual needs all at the same time. Some students may need a silent classroom to work while others do better with some background music. Meeting these conflicting needs can be a challenge, especially if students are in the same room or area. Another challenge can be keeping up with all of the individual plans. If a learning plan is made for each student in a classroom of 20 students, it can be challenging to keep each child's plan organized throughout each activity and lesson.
Do you use student learning profiles in your classroom? How would you implement this method in your classroom? How do you think you could implement this in a "specials" class like art or music?
Resources:
Posey, Allison. (n,d.) Universal Design for Learning (UDL) A teacher's guide. Understood.org
Bray, Barbara. (August 16, 2019) Getting to Know YOU with your Learner Profile. Rethinking Learning
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