Laying the foundation for Universal Design for Learning
Josh Benham, Digital Lead and Year 1 teacher, shares his advice on beginning your UDL journey. He emphasises the importance of understanding UDL principles and identifying the barriers you want to remove in your classroom.
Julie Carson, Director of Education, explains how their approach to UDL evolved to include not only teachers but also support staff. This shift empowered everyone involved in the learning process to understand and implement UDL.
Julie Carson discusses why UDL is essential for improving learning outcomes, noting how it creates a student-centered, technology-supported approach that helps children achieve their best in the classroom.
Supporting educators in implementing UDL
Daniel Davies, Assistant Headteacher for Digital Learning, talks about the need for flexible and personalized professional development for staff. He highlights various approaches, from team teaching to coaching, to meet each teacher’s needs.
Daniel Davies discusses the challenges of implementing change, particularly in introducing technology. He emphasises that the focus should always be on improving learning opportunities for students, not just using technology for its own sake.
Daniel Davies explores how UDL benefits schools beyond the classroom. He shares insights on how UDL can improve staff retention and attract new teachers, as well as enhancing learning outcomes for students.
Practical applications of technology in UDL classrooms
Daniel Davies highlights the importance of integrating technology in education, explaining how failing to do so could increase inequalities and leave students behind in a rapidly changing world.
Daniel Davies gives an example of using technology in a hands-on activity, showing how digital tools can streamline classroom tasks and allow students to engage in more meaningful learning experiences.
Debbie Bennet, a class teacher, discusses how she evaluates the success of UDL in her classroom by observing how students use problem-solving skills, make choices in their learning, and grow in confidence.
Keeping UDL approachable for all
Daniel Davies explains how UDL helps create an equitable learning environment by removing the need for students to be singled out for additional support, ensuring all learners feel included and respected.
Daniel Davies advises keeping UDL simple by focusing on doing one thing well rather than overcomplicating the process with multiple resources. His approach encourages teachers to use UDL efficiently without adding unnecessary complexity to their planning.
Now that you’ve learned about UDL’s foundations, it’s time to see it in practice. Discover real-world examples and valuable resources to help you implement UDL in your classroom.