Universal Design
A Guide to Universal Design: Enhancing Learning for All
What is Universal Design?
Universal Design (UD) is an educational approach that aims to create course instruction, materials, and content accessible to all students, regardless of their learning styles or disabilities.
At LSU, UD ensures equal access to learning, allowing students to engage with content in various ways while you monitor and optimize the learning process.
By implementing UD, you provide all students with the opportunity to succeed.
Who Benefits?
- All students
- Students who speak English as a second language
- International students
- Older students
- Students with disabilities
- Students whose preferred learning style differs from the instructor’s teaching style
Essential Qualities of Universally Designed Courses
Download and print the Universal Design for Learning Guidelines by CAST.
Design Multiple Means of Representation of Content
Provide various ways to present core concepts.
Example: Post lecture notes online for both text and audio access.
Design Multiple Means of Engagement in the Course
Maintain flexibility to cater to different skill levels and interests.
Example: Offer varied online activities for language students.
Design Multiple Means of Action & Expression
Allow students to demonstrate understanding in diverse ways.
Example: Options for oral presentations, written papers, or tests.
Tips for Implementing Universal Design
- Put course content online for accessibility.
- Encourage peer mentoring, group discussions, and cooperative learning.
- Use guided notes to highlight essential concepts without exhaustive copying.
- Update materials based on current events and student needs.
- Provide a detailed syllabus with clear requirements and due dates.
- Vary instructional methods and use diverse educational aids.
- Clarify instructions and feedback, request questions, and provide examples.
- Relate new topics to prior knowledge or real-life examples.
- Secure note-taking assistance and allow recordings of lectures.
- Permit alternate methods for students to demonstrate knowledge.
- Encourage use of adaptive technology.
- Develop study guides and administer shorter, more frequent exams.
Common Teaching Methods and Tips
Strengths: Specific facts dissemination, works with large classes.
Limitations: Limited student interaction, single-source learning.
Preparation: Clearly outline information and allow time for presentation.
Strengths: Draws multiple perspectives, maintains attention.
Limitations: Best for small classes, some students may dominate conversation.
Preparation: Guide discussion and prepare topics/questions in advance.
Strengths: Practical application of concepts.
Limitations: May make students uncomfortable, best for small classes.
Preparation: Clearly define rules, situations, and roles.
Strengths: Real-life insights, industry contacts.
Limitations: Variable speaker quality.
Preparation: Vet and introduce speakers.
Strengths: Multiple viewpoints.
Limitations: Possible competitiveness among experts.
Preparation: Schedule and introduce panelists.
Strengths: Visual engagement.
Limitations: Passive learning.
Preparation: Operate equipment, prepare discussion questions.
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