Workshops

Special Event

Teaching Diverse Learners:
Principles of Universal Design for Instruction

Presenter:
Jim Kain, Assistant Professor of English, Neumann College, Aston, Pa.

Date: Friday February 13, 2009
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Place: CE Forum, Annandale Campus

 

Summary:
This presentation reviews ...

• background and scope of the Principles of Universal Design for Instruction (UDI)
• demonstrate various applications in course development, delivery and assessment.

UDI is a comprehensive and integrated approach to course development that attempts to reach the widest range of students by considering the diverse backgrounds, learning styles, abilities and disabilities. It is especially useful in developmental education, first year studies and general education courses.

The applications to the classroom includes specific strategies for:

• clarifying course objectives
• writing syllabi
• preparing classroom activities
• utilizing assessment tools

Rationale:
Recent research in disabilities studies has shown that teaching strategies that address a wide range of learning styles are also effective in reducing the need for special accommodations for students with disabilities. One well-documented approach, developed by the University of Connecticut Center on Postsecondary Education and Disability, adapts the Principles of Universal Design used by architects and planners in designing and building public facilities. The guiding principle is that the original design should consider the needs of a wide range of users, thus eliminating the cost and difficulty of retrofits and add-ons for special users. The Principles, as adapted for instruction, provide a comprehensive approach to course design that integrates best-teaching practices in a systematic way that considers the growing body of knowledge we have of our students and their learning processes.

Bio:
Jim Kain is an Assistant Professor of English at Neumann College in Aston, Pa. Since 1990, while teaching English and tutoring in the Academic Resource Center, he has also served as the Coordinator of Disabilities Services and the Coordinator of the First-Year Experience Program. He developed, wrote and published the materials used in the core Research and Writing courses for both the day and evening programs, as well as the First-Year Experience course. His interest and expertise in course development, assessment, and student-centered learning led to his appointment as the first Director of the Teaching and Learning Center at Neumann College. He has presented on the topic of Universal Design for Instruction in higher education locally and nationally.

Click here to view the PowerPoint presentation.