Towards a New Culture in Physical Education with the Universal Design for Learning

Abstract

The traditional "one-size-fits-all" approach to curriculum tends to ignore the individual diversity in learning strengths, challenges, and interests creating barriers to learning and inclusion in Physical Education.The Universal design for learning (UDL), based on neuroscience research and the work of educational psychologist Lev Vygotsky, is meaningful framework increasingly evident in discussions of approaches to enhance educational access for all students. The purpose of this article is to explore and analyze the Universal Design for learning (UDL) to build a didactic plan that ensures the active participation and success in learning of all students in Physical Education regardless of their ability.

The Game of Life soccer program: Effect on skills, physical fitness and mobility in persons with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder

“…Alternatively, a Universal Design for Learning approach (Munafo, 2017;Sherlock-Shangraw, 2013) may be employed, taking into account a priori the differences in the participants' entry level and progress rate. Based on these results, together with the fact that the game of soccer requires only simple equipment and basic environmental conditions and that it is an enjoyable group activity-potentially with additional psychosocial effects , it can be suggested that soccer is indeed a recommended sport for individuals with intellectual disability and ASD.…”

“…However, it is important to work with each disability group separately, as they possess different motor skills and fitness levels and may require utilizing different motor learning and motivational strategies. Alternatively, a Universal Design for Learning approach (Munafo, 2017;Sherlock-Shangraw, 2013) may be employed, taking into account a priori the differences in the participants' entry level and progress rate.…”