Universal Design for Learning: A Step Further

Back Again! My last blog focused on defining UDL and its three principles by examining the WikiSite. The site offered tons of information and other sites to review. Our next adventure takes us deeper into UDL and the importance of it from a neurological stand point. Let's dig into CAST: UDL.

 
The BRAIN is a complex organ, indeed.  Although we all have one with many of the same parts, it responds to information differently. There are different parts of the brain that accomplish many different task. Please read the image to the left for a deeper understanding.

After understanding why we learn the way we learn, it seems obvious the importance of UDL in the classroom. The CAST site offered numerous examples and teacher friendly resources for the classroom. I found the resources under Check Point 3.1: Activate or supply background knowledge particularly helpful. I am sure this is the case because of the way I learn. I need to make connections and have concepts build of each other to acquire a clear understanding.
Although this site (click here to view) was created with ELL students in mind, I believe the activities listed are beneficial to any student and that is the purpose of UDL. Making accommodations for one student may benefit everyone. One activity is "What word does not fit." The teacher gives the new topic to the students and writes a whole bunch of words on the board or overhead. It is the students job to pick the words that do not fit into the new topic. This activates the students previous knowledge and helps guide the teachers instruction by understanding what the students already know.

Another activity is the "Brain Dump." The brain dump activity activates prior knowledge in an interesting way for children. The students draw a picture, give, an example or write down everything they know about a topic or vocabulary word. The idea is to get students to share their ideas to hear as much information about a topic. She mentioned having them share using a Kagan strategy that I never heard off before but looked it up and will try it soon in the classroom. Here is a video of the Hand up, Stand up, Pair up strategy. It seems like a great way to get information  going around the room from student to student and a strategy to get students moving with a purpose.

I've learned some very useful information to use in the classroom from this CAST as I hope you have. Until next time!