UDL

     The research surrounding UDL seems to be very positive. In a study done in Canada with some teachers in the United States, they looked specifically at kids with intellectual disabilities (ID), and how UDL affected them. They used two ideas in UDL, representation and engagement in order to see how learning developed with this specific group of students. They looked at these students in an inclusion setting, and implemented UDL techniques in order to help them learn. Some of the benefits that were listed in how UDL has a positive impact are, "challenging behavior may be reduced if student learning needs are met. Second, maximizing students' individual learning strengths creates independent learners. Third, incorporating many techniques (i.e., multiple means) into lessons increases accessibility for all learners thereby creating a learning atmosphere of engagement and confidence" (Lowrey 226).
   
     UDL can be effectively implemented in my classroom through many ways. In English, reading levels are very important. Not every learner is at the same reading level. Many are reading above grade level, many below, and many right on. In order to be able to allow all the student's learning, reading levels need to taken into account. As a teacher, I can find material that works on every student's reading level. An example of this is giving scholarly articles, newspaper articles, plays, novels, and poems as reading material. I can't expect the student's to be able to really understand all the material if I never break it down, or help them learn to read different genres. I also will use UDL in my classroom through technology. Technology is helpful  because it allows for multimedia presentations to supplement the text.

     Using this idea in my classroom will help my students learn how to be independent learners. If I can give them some tools to help them access learning, then when they leave my classroom, they will be able to continue to learn and contribute to the world. I also hope that this will help my students find learning and reading fun. I want my students to know that they can succeed, and this can only happen if they feel like what they are doing is important. Showing them how to learn, will help them understand how learning happens and that they are a critical part of learning.

     My goals and vision for learners regarding UDL implementation in my classroom is to help students learn. I want to continue to learn different ways to help my students learn. If I am not up on learning how to help my students learn, then I am not being an effective teacher. Each student learns differently, and technology is constantly being produced that can reach each kind of learner. I want to make sure I am empowering my students and providing them with the resources they need to become effective learners.

Lowrey, K. Alisa, et al. "More Than One Way: Stories of UDL and Inclusive Classrooms." Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, vol. 42, no. 4, n.d., pp. 225-242. EBSCOhost, ezproxy.uvu.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edswss&AN=000415060200002&site=eds-live.