UDL versus traditional classrooms

Video Transcription

Hi my name is Ashley, and today's lesson is titled UDL Versus Traditional Classrooms. In today's lesson, we will discuss what UDL looks like in comparison to traditional classrooms. We will look at this in more detail, especially in the following four areas-- student differences, student learning styles, instruction, and assessment.

The students you have in your classroom are all different. Not one student is the same. How is student differences addressed in the traditional classroom? In the traditional classroom, student diversity and learning needs are only addressed once there is an academic or behavioral problem. In many schools, once a child has failed assignments and test after test, then the child can be put up for child study.

It is only at that point when they take a closer look at the student and address their differences. In the UDL classroom, diversity drives instruction. Student differences are taken in consideration for planning, instruction and assessment.

Student learning styles describe how students learn the best. Some students learn better visually or by listening, or by actually experiencing information and manipulation. And the traditional classroom learning styles are not usually considered when planning instruction.

In the UDL classroom, students are led to make choices on what best meets their learning style. Students are also given information on learning styles and preferences so they can understand their own learning style and create appropriate goals for themselves.

How is instruction delivered in these classrooms? In the traditional classroom, information is usually delivered whole group. In the UDL classroom, cooperative grouping is valued and the teaching environment is very flexible, where students can move in and out of groups frequently based on need.

What is the role of assessments in these two types of classrooms? In the traditional classroom, so much of assessment is a primary tool evaluating student mastery of standards. In the UDL classroom, formative and diagnostic assessments are mostly used to provide feedback for the instructor and learner.

Let's recap what we've learned in today's lesson. In the traditional classroom, student differences are not normally taken into consideration first hand, not until usually there are problems seen. In the UDL classroom, student differences are used for planning in assessing.

When considering student learning styles and the UDL classroom, students learn about different types of learning styles and make choices based on their individual learning style. In the traditional classroom, learning styles do not normally inform instruction. The instruction in the traditional classroom is usually whole group, whereas in the UDL classroom, cooperative flexible grouping is mostly used. Lastly, summative assessments are most often used in the traditional classroom, whereas formative assessments are used in the UDL classroom.

As we bring the lesson to a close, think about which category would you place your classroom. Also consider the benefits for students in the UDL classroom. For more information on how to apply what you've learned in this video, please view the additional resources section that accompanies this video presentation. The additional resources section includes hyperlinks useful for applications of the course material, including a brief description of each resource.