Supporting Learning Differences
One responsibility of educators is to support all the learners within their educational environment. This can be achieved through both proactive and reactive strategies for designing and implementing instruction in the classroom.
Universal Design for Learning
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework stemming from universal design, which aims to design all environments to be accessible to all people. Likewise, UDL strives to create an environment which is free of barriers and provides equal opportunities for students to learn. The goal of UDL is to develop expert learners who are purposeful and motivated, resourceful and knowledgeable, and strategic and goal-oriented.
An understanding of preferred modes of learning, sometimes known as learning styles, can help aid you in designing and implementing UDL principles in your classroom and instruction
Differentiated Instruction
Differentiated Instruction is based on the principles of inclusion and equality. Differentiated Instruction is the process of tailoring instruction to meet individual student needs and maximizing student learning capacity. It aims to increase student engagement, improve learning outcomes, and help students learn more efficiently and with deeper understanding. Differentiated Instruction can be accomplished through the academic measures of content , process, and product and through individual student measures of readiness, interest, and learning profiles.
Content
Readiness
Process
Interest
Product
Learning Profiles
Interested in learning more? Check out these academic articles for Differentiated Instruction!
Integrating DI & Understanding by Design: Considering Evidence of Learning in Diverse Classrooms
Integrating DI & Understanding by Design: Responsive Teaching with UbD in Academically Diverse Classrooms
Honoring All Learners: The Case for Embedded Honors in Heterogeneous ELA Classrooms
Establishing a Framework for Blending Intercultural Education with Differentiated Instruction
Supporting Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Learners
Culturally and linguistically responsive education is an approach that leverages the strengths and culture of students that students bring to the classroom. Rather than see difference as deviant, this approach views the cultural tools students bring to the classroom as assets rather than deficits. With history reflecting a consistent underachievement in students of color, culturally and linguistically responsive teaching aims to stop this trend and close the gap.
Universal Design for Learning and Differentiated Instruction are great approaches to achieve the goals of culturally and linguistically responsive education! Additionally, the use of restorative and trauma-informed practices can be beneficial to supporting culturally and linguistically diverse students.