How can I design my curriculum to promote inclusive learning?
There are nine principles of Universal Design for instruction as illustrated below that you can apply to designing or redesigning your curricula.
For a good overview of these principles see chapter one of Universal Design for Curriculum Design. There are case studies describing the principles in practice in the same book.
Nine Principles of Universal Design for Instruction
(From McGuire & Scott, 2006)
Instruction is designed to be useful to and accessible by people with diverse abilities. Provide the same means of use for all students; identical whenever possible, equivalent when not.
Instruction is designed to accommodate a wide range of individual abilities. Provide choice in methods of use.
Instruction is designed in a straightforward and predictable manner, regardless of the student's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level. Eliminate unnecessary complexity
Instruction is designed so that necessary information is communicated effectively to the student, regardless of ambient conditions or the student's sensory abilities.
Instruction anticipates variation in individual student learning pace and prerequisite skills.
Instruction is designed to minimise nonessential physical effort in order to allow maximum attention to learning. Note: This principle does not apply when physical effort is integral to essential requirements of a course.
Instruction is designed with consideration for appropriate size and space for approach, reach, manipulations, and use regardless of a student's body size, posture, mobility, and communication needs.
The instructional environment promotes interaction and communication among students and between students and faculty.
Instruction is designed to be welcoming and inclusive. High expectations are espoused for all students.
Learn More
Kelly, Anna M., and Padden, Lisa (2018). Toolkit for Inclusive Higher Education Institutions: From Vision to Practice. Dublin: UCD Access & Lifelong Learning
References
- Padden. L ., O’Connor, J., and Barrett, T (2017) Universal Design for Curriculum Design : Case studies from University College Dublin (This resource that provides practical ideas and case studies on Universal Design)
- McGuire, J. M., & Scott, S.S. (2006). Universal Design for instruction: Extending the Universal Design paradigm to college instruction. Journal of Post secondary Education and Disability, 19(2), 124–134