UDL Cell Project Curriculum

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UDL is the idea that learning is best served when information is presented in several ways.

In this lesoon, there are several approaches to motivating (The why of learning), presenting(The what of learning) and expressing what they know(The how of learning).

By varying these, students are not limited by having to deal with the material in only one way, which may not be their strength. Presenting the info by textbook, reflection, a film and a class discussion provides many modalities for learning about cell organelles, a abstract and hard to visualize subject.

Allowing the students in groups to choose their own group roles and method of presentation allows them to also play to their strengths for demonstrating what they know.

By meeting with peers outside of class in a google hangout, it puts subtle peer pressure on learning the material, yet having chosen their own group role previous to this gives them the security of knowing what they need to do.

As the Cast website said, when you create a building for people with different ability levels, everyone benefits, sometimes in unexpected ways. A ramp is good for a wheel chair, a stroller and a bike.

Student learning should not be limited and discouraged by whether the students' learning style matches the instructor, but by whether they learn. Allowing them to construct their knowledge from several sources, rather than just a lecture will make learning more enjoyable, authentic and meaningful. It takes more work up front on the instructors part, but the payload is worth it.