TLA TAL UDL Reflection

UDL needs to provide muliple means of representation, multiple means of expression, and multiple means of engagement.

I love the idea that curriculum should accommodate all kinds of learners from the beginning, not just providing a change for one child as an afterthought. I think less kids would “slip through the cracks” if they truly had multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression. Some of them spend their whole school career with someone trying to stuff their little round peg into a square hole. Maybe its the hole that needs changing.

I think the idea of beginning with the end in mind is huge. If teachers are really focusing their lessons and assignments on the things they really want students to learn, their lessons will end up stronger. Sometimes, teachers get sidetracked and continually reviewing what you are planning to do in your lesson with the stated end goals of your curriculum could really help with that. Also, thinking right from the beginning about what will be difficult for students and how to support them will make a big difference.

As a parent, I'm excited about the inclusion of all learners through UDL. One of my children is a very tactile learner. Standing in front of him and lecturing is just as effective as closing your eyes and clicking your ruby slippers. He simply doesn't learn well that way. One of my children needs extra processing time. A traditional classroom model of teacher asks, student raises hand and answers within a second isn't going to work for her. If 2 out of 2 of my kids need something just a bit different than the traditional, I suspect almost all children do. Teaching for an imaginary average child is not acceptable.

One of the You Tube videos I viewed was UDL Guidelines in Practice Grade 5 Language Arts . The lesson included references to resources the students had at their fingertips and were invited to use, it was pretty brief, it connected the day's work with previous worth, and it provided a focused goal to students. I think, too often, students can't figure out the connections between the things done at school. It is important for teachers to provide them. I really like that the kids have resources and are expected to use them. That will benefit them in the future, as well.