CAST: UDL and "The Three Multiple Means"

     There are plenty of resources provided for teachers to incorporate in a UDL classroom. But where, how, and why would you use these resources?
     Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is defined as "a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn" (http://cast.org/udl/index.html, 2014). The brain contains three network areas that are unique in every individual. No one person thinks or acts the same. The three networks include recognition, strategic, and affective. UDL Guidelines provide three sections important in meeting the needs for all students in a UDL classroom.  Recognition is addressed in UDL through Multiple Means of Representations; Strategic through Multiple Means of Action and Expression; and affective through Multiple Means of Engagement. The chart below provides a short overview of the three networks:

Recognition Networks

The "what" of learning

How we gather facts and categorize what we see, hear, and read. Identifying letters, words, or an author's style are recognition tasks.

Present information and content in different ways

More ways to provide
Multiple Means of Representation

Strategic Networks

The "how" of learning

Planning and performing tasks. How we organize and express our ideas. Writing an essay or solving a math problem are strategic tasks.

Differentiate the ways that students can express what they know

More wayis to provide
Multiple Means of Action and Expression

Affective Networks

The "why" of learning

How learners get engaged and stay motivated. How they are challenged, excited, or interested. These are affective dimensions.

Stimulate interest and motivation for learning

More ways to provide
Multiple Means of Engagement

     All students have their unique way in retaining information. Multiple Means of Representation is important to implement in every lesson. I have students that comprehend a story better from listening to a book on tape rather than from reading the text.

     I've also had students who can listen to a story and verbally answer any question given to them. However, if I asked them to write their responses, they had great difficulty. This exemplifies providing Multiple Means of Action and Expression is important and provides a more accurate assessment of a students academic ability.

     As a paraprofessional in an emotional support classroom, Multiple Means of Engagement is crucial for our students to be successful. Providing books that spark student interest, having a very structured schedule, and providing opportunity through behavior charts to self regulate behaviors are a few ways we incorporate Multiple Means of Engagement in the classroom. It has shown to be highly effective!




To learn more about the three "multiple means" of UDL, check out the CAST website!