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Introduction to Universal Design for Instruction

 

Overview

Are students in your classes more diverse in their background knowledge, experiences, language, culture, and learning abilities? Do you find yourself searching for new ways to effectively reach this broad range of students without compromising your academic standards? The Principles of Universal Design for Instruction© (UDI) can provide you with a helpful framework to do this. UDI is an approach to teaching that focuses on the proactive design and use of inclusive instructional strategies during the planning and delivery stages of a course as well as in the assessment of learning outcomes. Instructors may find that a broad range of learners benefit from UDI, including non-traditional students, students who speak different languages, students with disabilities, and adult students. Importantly, this approach does not lower or compromise academic standards. Ideally, it reduces the need for retrofitted accommodations or modifications to instruction and course assessment.


This module is designed to provide you with a brief introduction to the nine Principles of UDI© and examples of ways the construct can be incorporated into instruction. Another module provides more detailed information about the concept of Universal Design and a description of the process by which these principles were developed and applied to instruction in higher education. Click here to visit the Universal Design for Instruction Module.


Permission is granted to copy this document for educational purposes; however, please acknowledge your source using the following citation:

UDI Online Project. (2010). Introduction to UDI Module. Center on Postsecondary Education and Disability, University of Connecticut, Storrs. http://www.udi.uconn.edu/index.php?q=content/introduction-universal-design-instruction.