Chapter 1 serves as a foundational introduction to universal design for learning (UDL), an educational framework that seeks to accommodate the diverse needs of all learners. This chapter lays the groundwork for understanding UDL's principles, its purpose, and its significance in creating inclusive and effective learning environments. By establishing a comprehensive understanding of UDL, subsequent chapters can dive into specific applications and contexts without the need to reintroduce the concept. This approach ensures an in-depth exploration of UDL's multifaceted impact on education, allowing readers to fully grasp how it can be integrated across various educational settings and disciplines.
TopMaking A Mountain Out Of A Molehill
“Learning is more about uncovering something new about how we think, communicate, and replicate knowledge and less about affirming what we already know.” - M. Jenkins
I am convinced that many of the problems we face pertaining to how we attempt to get things done are because of our own doing or undoing. Within the educational sector alone, there are an unlimited number of ways that students, teachers, administrators, families, support personnel, employees, and guests interact with each other and the physical environment on a daily basis. During these often-mundane occurrences, we take for granted how background knowledge, lived experience, relationships, and comfortability support the making of a “can do” or a “try-try again” outlook. It is only until we are in a place of doubt or have something to overcome that we recognize the impact of the preparatory structures in place meant to nudge us across the finish line. Ask yourself, “Am I prone to giving in at the slightest sign of difficulty?” or “Do I press beyond the doorstep to the point of no return?” One factor that predicts your ability to persevere to such drastic extents is your ability to identify and overcome barriers. You see a hurdle (literally or figuratively), and you immediately think of using a step stool to hop over rather than skinning your knee and jumping the great vertical distance.
Within this chapter and throughout this entire text, you will uncover a resource, more specifically a mindset, that proves layer by layer as one of the leading solutions to many of the individual, organizational, and environmental struggles presented within professional, technological, and educational realms. Universal Design for Learning, which in its common form is simply known as UDL, represents the art of planning, analyzing, and proactive solution development as a means of prevention before insurmountable problems arise. UDL is not something you can do; it is something you first believe and internalize and thus are continually focused on applying to all situations, great or small. So grab your highlighters, notepads, graphic organizers, fidgets, beverages, snacks of choice, and happy reading.