The first thing I do when I start a new class is to run through the syllabus and I remember thinking that the subjects were a little intimidating, UDL and DI. As the course began and I learned more information about these two subjects, it was apparent that I have just brushed the surface in my class without even knowing it. This course has introduced me to new tools, new ideas and new ways of making sure that UDL and DI is a part of every lesson plan.
According to CAST’s the whole idea behind UDL is for each student to have access to the curriculum in a way that promotes the most learning for that individual. The various resources that can help us as educators included social networking, surveys, technology, creating assignments that are self directed projects. Most importantly we need to really understand our students and what learning styles they poses.
The resources in the Differentiation Station social network that will help me to implement the principles of UDL and DI will start with a survey. One new objective is that I would really like to know my student interests better. My assignment subjects can easily be changed to something more interesting to the students. I want them to learn new computer skills, have fun doing it and remember the skills in the future. Using a special interest survey will give me an opportunity to learn about my students. The other change would be to use a KWL chart, this would provide me with a better idea of the student preconceived notions to what they think they are going to learn and what they want to learn and of course, explain what the already know. A small tweaking of a current word-processing assignment such as changing the content to be collaborative writing with reaches all of my diverse learners.
The most immediate adjustments that I will begin to make in customizing instruction will be to change the way I teach every lesson. Every new lesson will begin with what do I really want the students to learn today. This is my third year of teaching, and so far the best. The first year was spent
Just getting use to everything. My second year was spent really concentrating on my classroom management skills and this year I really want to provide the best learning experiences for all of my students. My plan is to make small changes at a type so that I do not feel overwhelmed. I will start with changing the subject matter of the assignments, added technology in a way that is most productive to my students and keeping myself current with instructional strategies. I hope that I never teach a lesson the same way twice.
When I look at my sea of students I can’t help but think of the simple example cited in one of our course resources. The story about the teacher who walked into class, stood on a chair with a fist full of dollar bills and then asked the kids to jump for the dollars. The shorter kids would be at a huge disadvantage. If you think about this analogy, isn’t this how we should approach every sea of students. You cannot teach a lesson as one lesson fits all students. As educators, we have so many tools to prevent this way of teaching.
Reference
Bray, M., Brown, A., & Green, T. (2004) Technology and the Diverse Learner: A Guide to Classroom
Practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
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