Inclusive learning design is an approach that considers diverse learners’ needs when planning learning design. Inclusive design is a key aspect of achieving the goals of universal design. Universal design is a pedagogical approach that maximizes learning for all learners by eliminating or minimizing possible barriers thereby making learning accessible to all. The UDL identified three pillars as part of their guidelines and these are Multiple means of representation, multiple means of action or expression, and multiple means of engagement.  It is important to consider learners’ diversity and meet learners’ needs. In designing a learning experience for learners to learn vocabulary, I would consider learners’ diverse cultural contexts and use vocabulary they could easily relate to. Learners would have access to audio, texts, and visual aids which could be in the form of images or video to choose from. Learners would have access to flashcards and games to accommodate different learning styles. Learners would also be provided with real-life examples they could easily relate to. Vocabulary lists from simple to complex would be provided to cater to different learning abilities.

To adjust the planned learning activities to meet the needs of the learners if an unexpected event occurs, the learning design would be made available online and also downloadable for easy access for all students. Instructions and tutorials that would help learners to navigate the learning experience effectively would be provided. After each class, a quiz would be given to keep students active and engaged. Students get to be divided into groups, where they compete to answer the most questions correctly within a set time limit and learners get to go back in their groups and make sentences with these words and present to the class later. Flexible deadlines to take the quiz and group projects would be given.

References

Meyer, Anne, et al. Universal Design for Learning: Theory and Practice. CAST Professional Publishing, an Imprint of CAST, Inc., 2014, UDL Theory Practice, retrieved from: udltheorypractice.cast.org/

Right to Education – Inclusive Education, retrieved from: https://www.inclusiveeducation.ca/learn/right-to-education