Tuesday’s Reflection
Page 70 of the Teaching Every Student text notes that “the ‘universal’ in universal design (for learning) does not imply one optimal solution for everyone. Rather it reflects an awareness of the unique nature of each learner and the need to accommodate differences, creating learning experiences that suit the learner and maximize his or her ability to progress.”
The experience from yesterday’s class is a prime example of universal design (for learning) does not imply one optimal solution for everyone. This was evident through our class presentation. It demonstrated the uniqueness in all of us, and how we are able to adapt to different situations and make the necessary accommodations when appropriate. Someone in class use the hackneyed expression, “Making the paradigm shift;” well in a short period of time it was interesting to see that we were making the shift quickly to make accommodations for one another in our individual groups. Moreover, I feel this concept could work in every aspect of our life, if we make it applicable. It is almost like identifying someones strength and weakness, and implementing UDL that will address the needs of both individuals.
As a professional, I would like to learn how to implement this Universal Design with my consultants, especially since I’m not in the classroom anymore and the consultants for the most part aren’t required to do follow-up after they evaluate students. I feel this is an effective concept that can be carried over into another arenas, but the buy in has to be there. I am looking to identify and obtain more information that will allow me to put this concept of UDL into perspective. It is my belief it will be much easier implementing this design in a school and introducing it as a PD topic.
The question that resonate on my mind is have this design been utilize in an affective manner for the purpose of small business and organizations and if so, how would that look? Would any of the components be removed to address a small entity, other then a school?
