Case Study Lesson with UDL Approach

I enjoyed reading all of the case studies, however, I could really relate to Ms. Randall’s math lesson. Ms. Randall shows concern for meeting all the needs of her students. She reflects on four main components while planning the lesson to incorporate UDL: goals for instruction, media and materials to be used by the students, instructional strategies, and means of assessment.

The UDL approach in the lesson involves modeling and guided instruction. The students are able to work with a partner. I agree with her approach, especially discussing new material. The teacher gives the students an example and the opportunity to collaborate with their peers. The instruction involved digital material as well. This is another teaching strategy she added to the lesson to reach the diverse learners.
                         

              

Finally, the teacher used different assessments to decide if the students understood the material. She observed the partner work, evaluated their completed work and involved the students in a discussion about the experiment they performed. Her main focus was to engage all her students, therefore, she focused on her goals for the lesson. She compares her traditional approach to the UDL approach. This allows her to evaluate her teaching and meet her objectives.

CAST (2011). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines version 2.0. Wakefield, MA: Author

 

Universal Design for Learning

This blog will be discussing different strategies that educators can apply to help better their students and classrooms. The first topic will be discussing UDL, which was an unfamiliar term to me before this course. According to The National Center on Universal Design, Universal Design for Learning allows all students the opportunity to be able to succeed at their highest potential. 

UDL provides options and variety to the lessons and information being taught. The teacher expresses differentiation through styles of teaching methods, materials and opportunities for assessments. I am new in the world of education, however, I try to stay aware of adding different visuals and selections for my students to choose.  I know when they are engaged and interested it is easier for them to understand and remember the information. Therefore, the teacher can give demonstrations and examples to get the attention of the students. 

                                                   

CAST describes that modeling and encouraging questions from the students is very important when starting a lesson. In addition, CAST focuses on the three principles of UDL.
1. Provide multiple means of representation. 
2. Provide multiple means of expression. 
3. Provide multiple means of engagement.  

                                

Modeling demonstrates the material being learned.The information or lesson should be presented with visuals, materials and auditory styles. This will give the opportunity for the students to discuss and question the knowledge that is being introduced. After the information is presented allow, students to have options with the way they perform their assessments. Every classroom is filled with diverse learners and it is our job as teachers to help these students succeed.

                                             

CAST (2011). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines version 2.0. Wakefield, MA: Author

 

Welcome

        "The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery"

                                                                                                 -Mark Van Doren

 The quote above is a great description of what teachers help their students obtain. Teachers inspire and guide students to be creative and explore new experiences and ideas.  This is my first year as a full time teacher after graduating from West Chester University in 2012. I am very happy to be a second grade teacher in a wonderful school. I have a great team that I collaborate with while developing to be a better teacher. In the last few months I have learned so many new things about being an educator. I look forward to continuing my education and reaching the needs of diverse students. I am in an  inclusive classroom that is the least restrictive learning environment . I have different accommodations and modifications to help the students succeed at their highest expectations. However, I am the only teacher in the room with twenty six students. I want to learn new varieties of teaching styles, because I believe all students do not learn the same. I want to give options for assessments and learning styles.

The generation we live in today is surrounded by new technology. As a teacher I feel I lack in using technology to the fullest in my classroom. I look forward to learning more and applying it to my teaching. I believe technology offers differentiation and excitement for the students wanting to learn. In addition, this is my first experience blogging and sharing my thoughts of education on the internet. This is intimating, but as a teacher I have to be able to constantly adapt and change to help the success of my students.

This course will be focusing and discussing Assistive Technology. The beginning will be discussing UDL, which stands for Universal Diverse Learning. This is the first I have heard of this term, but I am very familiar with differentiation, which overlaps with UDL.