UDL and Its Three Principles

New Idea on Old Actions

This feels like another one of those programs to where it’s “the same thing with a different title”.  Although this is highly research based and driven, hearing David Rose from CAST giving the summary of UDL and its three principles really made me ill.  I felt I was hearing from another individual that theorizes ideas based off of data while not being on the front lines.

Prioritizing the Principles

With that aside, I do agree with the three principles, but only because they coincide with other principles I’ve learned regarding differentiated instruction. What drives me nuts is that it’s taught as if it’s some type of structured program, but great teachers will reference it as, “I’m just doing my job.”  The one thing I disagree with is the order they present the principles.  Although it doesn't have to be in a certain order in the lesson plans, I feel what should be presented first is Principle III, then I & II.  I feel the hardest part of the lesson plan is Engagement and guiding the student to the “why” of learning.  Once that is established, then we can get into the multiple means of representation (what) and finally action and expression (how).

UDL Created Lesson: Weathering & Erosion