Universal Design for Learning
Any discussion on engaging students should begin with the concept of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Paying attention to UDL principles ensures your course is accessible, equitable and fair for all students.
UDL is a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn. The UDL guidelines offer a set of concrete suggestions that can be applied to any discipline or domain to ensure that all learners can access and participate in meaningful, challenging learning opportunities.
There are three basic UDL elements that can help you incorporate UDL guidelines in your course. Follow the links to learn more about each one.
- Provide multiple means of engagement in your course.
- Provide multiple means of representation in your course.
- Provide multiple means of action and expression in your course.
Watch this overview of UDL on campus:
NOTE: These course design concepts are transferable to hybrid and in-person courses since you should be providing all course materials in the LMS regardless of modality. If you plan all of your courses as if they are fully online, all students will have the opportunity for success.
Teaching Principles that Engage ALL Students
The best courses have:
- Clear expectations and instructions.
- Structure and consistency from week-to-week or module-to-module.
- Low stakes assignments and assessments.
- Frequent feedback.
- Opportunities to redo assignments when they don't meet the mark the first time.
- Opportunities for reflection before responses are required.
Actions and mindsets that lead to better teaching:
- Displaying kindness and compassion.
- Being firm but flexible with deadlines and requirements.
- Using language that shows you believe in a growth mindset.
- Being aware of imposter syndrome and stereotype threat.
- Connecting with students personally.
- Allowing anonymous responses and participation.