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Universal Design for Learners (UDL) has been the lens through which Barbara Bray and Kathleen McClaskey have helped us view each learner’s strengths and challenges in the class.  These insights have been the basis for choosing appropriate tools and strategies for learners. In my final post on their book How to Personalize Learning , I will focus on how they expand on the UDL lesson review process to allow teachers to design instruction that considers every learner. The four step model the authors present is as follows List methods,materials, and assessments to be used in lesson. Describe what learners will be doing with these materials. Identify possible barriers learners may encounter Indicate which classroom tools/strategies can be incorporated to reduce these barriers        Instructional, methods, materials, and assessments Requires Learners to Possible Barriers UDL Solutions and Strategies Teacher presents information on mechanical waves

Now, it may seem contradictory to state that teachers should create a classroom learner toolkit.  All individuals in our class have their own profile. We can’t simply design on blanket profile for the class.  That is very true.  That’s why Bray and McClaskey take a different approach to what a classroom learning toolkit looks like.  It is a 3-step process Class Learning Snapshot Preferences and Needs Class Learning Toolkit Class Learning Snapshot In this model of designing tools for a whole classroom, the authors first recommend the teacher identify 4 learners who are diverse.  The Class Learning Snapshot records the specific strengths, talents, interests, and challenges of those four learners. If a teacher could meet the needs of these diverse learners through UDL, the needs of the other students in the class would probably be met. Student Strengths, Talents, and Interests Challenges 1 It's easier for me to understand content when I am taugh