UDL Applications Exercise

One of the educational approaches (Others: Differentiated Instruction and The Tiered Approach) we use in Ontario is called Universal Design for learning.

The UDL is a teaching method that educators use based on the principle of: 

• Multiple means of Representation (The What of Learning)

• Multiple means of Engagement (The Why of Learning) 

• Multiple means of Actions and Expressions (The How of Learning) 

by offering multiple options to engage and promote participation. 

I remember during the first Edtech class, our professor introduced us to a video of  

Mr. Chris from Special Books for Special Kids 

(you will need to access your Facebook account to view this page)  

which students demonstrated their understanding by acting out instead of a traditional written essay (Sheridan College, 2025). 

This is an example of multiple means of actions and expressions where educators offer multiple options to check the student's understanding. 

I was amazed by his creativity and an out-of-the box teaching idea. I would like to be a kind of an educator like Mr. Chris or other educators I was taught now and the past who understands a student's strength and weakness and  give them a confidence and help them take ownership in their learning.

A different method of how I grew up learning: 

• Mainly listening to instruction while taking notes (pen and paper) 

• Memorizing my content instead of problem solving

• Sitting down in the classroom for entire periods

• No means of flexibility in learning styles and demonstrating skills 

The UDL will be beneficial for all learners especially for students we support. 

Our students will get many opportunities to learn, express and use their skills in different environments. 

The detailed information and resources are available through 

CAST UDL GUIDELINES.