Monday, February 10, 2014

Continuing on my path...



Reflection is one of the most important aspects of learning. After learning so much about UDL and how to incorporate it into my everyday classroom lessons there are still aspects that I need to work on and learn more about.
After learning about UDL and exploring with different resources my personal objective I wish to accomplish is using more multimedia learning resources in my lessons. By using the UDL resources, such as www.cast.org, I have found that connecting student interests by using digital technology has enhanced my practice in using UDL.  Looking back at my journey of learning UDL, I have found that I have several strengths in my lesson planning using the UDL guidelines. These strengths consist of:

  • Checkpoint 1.2-Offer alternative ways of auditory information- I have used this guideline through books, sounds, videos, and lecture in my lessons.
  • Checkpoint 1.3- Offer alternative ways of visual information- The use of charts, graphic organizers, pictures, diagrams, and videos have helped me fulfill this guideline.
  • Checkpoint 2.5-Illistrate through multiple media- The use of multiple ways of teaching material through diagrams, illustrations, and physical or virtual manipulative.
  • Checkpoint 8.3- Foster collaboration and community- Building an environment that fosters collaboration and community can be seen through discussion, peer projects, centers, and idea sharing.

Guidelines that I feel have a greater challenge to develop in the use of UDL would be guideline, and checkpoints I need to work on to strengthen are:

  • Checkpoint 7.3- minimize threats and distractions- To enhance this checkpoint I need to work on varying pace of work, vary level of sensory simulation, and vary the level of novelty or risk.
  • Checkpoint 9.2- Facilitate personal coping skills and strategies- Ways I can improve would be to use more checklists, and real life situations to demonstrate coping skills.

Overall, every teacher including myself has to reflect on their experience in order to grow and become a better teacher for their students. Throughout my learning of UDL I can accommodate more of my students’ needs, so that they are engaged and interested in their learning to become the best students they can be.

2 comments:

  1. Devan,

    I think it is great that you have taken the UDL Guidelines and found strengths that you already have, as well as found guidelines that you need to work on and add into future lesson plans. It seems as though you have learned a lot from the UDL Guidelines and have realized that there is always room for improvement.

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  2. Lauren,
    Thank you. I feel as though being a teacher the greatest strength in my learning is to reflect of my experiences and things that I have learned. UDL has taught me a lot, and a goal I have set for myself is to use the UDL guidelines in my future lesson plans to assist in teaching my students. I feel like this is a great asset to my teaching.

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