Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a proactive educational framework designed to make learning accessible for all students, especially students with disabilities, by providing multiple ways for students to engage with course content, access information, and demonstrate what they have learned. In this workshop, we will explore the second principle of Universal Design for Learning: Representation. Given that learners differ in the ways they perceive and make meaning of information, representing course content in multiple ways helps learners access information regardless of their sensory, linguistic, or cognitive differences. In this workshop, participants will be introduced to strategies to foster a flexible and accessible classroom and activate students’ prior knowledge to promote deep learning. These strategies are relevant across a wide range of TA roles. You do not need to be an independent instructor or have complete control over course design for UDL to make a meaningful difference. Even small choices in how you facilitate activities, communicate expectations and feedback, and present content can improve access for all students.
After this workshop participants will be able to:
- understand the second principle of the Universal Design for Learning framework: Representation
- articulate what accessibility and flexibility mean in their specific teaching context
- identify techniques for fostering a more accessible classroom environment
If you have registered for this event, or are on the waitlist and require an accommodation such as live captioning or interpretation to participate, please contact drakeinstitute@osu.edu. Requests should be made at least two weeks prior to the event, but the university will make every effort to meet requests made after this date.