The beauty of universal design for learning (UDL) and why everyone in early childhood education and intervention should be using it

Abstract

This article seeks to highlight the importance of consciously implementing universal design for learning principles in practice in early childhood intervention. Universal design for learning (UDL) is based on three principles: 1) providing multiple means of engagement, 2) providing multiple means of representation, and 3) providing multiple means of action and expression. The term UDL is being championed in New Zealand schools but there are few examples of how early childhood settings and early childhood kaiako can utilise it. Highlighting the three UDL principles and how they link with Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum, is important when supporting kaiako and early interventionists to reflect on their practice through the UDL lens. When kaiako and early interventionists focus on providing multiple ways of engaging children, multiple ways of representing information, and multiple ways of enabling action and expression, then the early childhood environments will truly be inclusive. This article outlines the three UDL principles and provides specific examples of enactment of these in early childhood environments.

Promoting inclusive practice for autistic learners: Universal design for learning

“…Overall, the data showed that a large majority of participants used some principles from the Universal Design for Learning framework, although they were not always aware of what they were doing, or even perhaps making conscious decisions to implement them (Moffat, 2022). Participants primarily taught juniors (Year 1-4), although senior teachers were represented (Year 5-8).…”

“…Many of these strategies are strong factors within New Zealand schools, such as ensuring programmes are culturally responsive for learners. Overall, New Zealand teachers create safe environments for their learners, but more intentional thought needs to be put into ensuring this is true for all autistic learners (Education Review Office, 2022; Moffat, 2022).…”

Strategies for Successful Implementation of Inclusive Education in Indonesia: A Review

“…The UDL approach is based on three fundamental principles, which aim to provide diverse means of engagement, representation, and action and expression (Griful-Freixenet et al, 2021;Lin & Barber, 2022;Moffat, 2022). Engagement in UDL involves helping learners find their purpose, stay motivated, and develop an interest in the learning process (Boothe et al, 2018).…”