Universal Design for Learning Strategy Database

Learners differ in the ways they navigate a learning environment, approach the learning process, and express what they know. Therefore, it is essential to design for and honor these varying forms of action and expression. It should also be recognized that action and expression require a great deal of strategy, practice, and organization, and this is another area in which learners will differ. In reality, there is not one means of action and expression that will be optimal for every learner; options for action and expression are essential.

Are you working to support students in:

• Interacting with accessible materials and tools?
• Composing and sharing ideas using tools that help attain learning goals?
• Strategizing and acting on plans that make the most out of learning?

It is important to design materials and physical environments that support and value the interaction needs and preferences of every learner. Intentionally designed curricular materials provide a seamless interface with common assistive and accessible technologies through which everyone, including individuals with disabilities, can navigate and express what they know.

Are you working to:

• Support students in interacting with tools and environments that make learning physically accessible?
• Open doors to learning with accessible tools and devices?

There is no medium of expression that is equally suited for all learners or for all kinds of communication. On the contrary, there are media that seem poorly suited for some kinds of expression and for some kinds of learning. It is important to provide multiple modalities for expression to reduce communication barriers and support learners to express knowledge, ideas, and concepts in the learning environment.

Are you working to:

• Support students in expressing learning in flexible ways?
• Support students in sharing thoughts and ideas using tools that complement the learning goal?
• Apply and gradually release scaffolds to support learner agency?
• Honor a wide variety of forms of communication?

A critical aspect of learning is the capacity to act skillfully and purposefully, or to demonstrate “executive functions.” One component of executive function as it relates to the strategic networks is strategy development. These capabilities connected to the strategic networks allow humans to become intentional in their short-term reactions to their environment and to set long-term goals and plan effective strategies for reaching those goals. These practices include monitoring progress and modifying strategies as needed.

Are you working to:

• Support students in practicing setting challenging and authentic goals?
• Support students in formulating reasonable plans for reaching goals?
• Support students with organization and memory using flexible tools and processes?
• Support students in analyzing growth over time and how to build from it?
• Build more inclusive spaces and systems?