Now that I have learned about UDL and explored several sample lessons; how am I doing with implementing UDL in my own lessons? I used the UDL Guidelines 2.0 for Educators worksheet to assess a 6-8 grade reading lesson on Summaries using a Fishbone Map graphic organizer. The purpose of the lesson was to guide students through the thought process they would use for reading a nonfiction article. Through a series of structured activities, they were guided through the steps good readers would take in reading the article. They worked through the article in small steps - at times reading independently, in groups or listening to the teacher's reading. Although many components of the traditional lesson were good (especially providing multiple means of engagement), when viewed through the lens of UDL, there are areas that needed to be strengthened. Below is what the analysis of the lesson's strengths and weaknesses look like based on the worksheet.
Engaging the students in multiple ways was my strength based on the tool. If the students aren't hooked into the activity, they will not learn. There must be some element of interest for their attention to be intrigued. Maintaining that attention is another issue.
Providing Multiple Means for Engagement was the strongest area of my lesson. The strengths of the lesson are in black and ways I could have improved it listed in red:
Providing Multiple Means for Engagement was the strongest area of my lesson. The strengths of the lesson are in black and ways I could have improved it listed in red:
Providing various ways to interact with the material was a weakness in the lesson. Having only the overhead projector and the paper copy of the reading, creates barriers for the students who are struggling learners. In the table below, I identified ways to remedy this weakness. According to David Schaaf's (2013) observations in a Deaf or Hard of Hearing classroom, the Whiteboard is a very useful tool to break down possible learning barriers for many students.
David N. Schaaf (2013). Assistive Technologies in Florida’s Classrooms.
Journal of Applied Learning
Technology V. 3 NO 2, 6-12.
The weak area of the lesson was in the area of Providing Multiple Means for Action and Expression. The ways I could have improved are listed in red:
I like your idea to list goals for the lesson and checking them off during the lesson as you reach them. Great idea!
ReplyDeleteI really liked your lesson and how you involved the students. I think it's great you used the graphic organizer and had the students work together.
ReplyDeleteEva,
ReplyDeleteI loved how you assessed your lesson plan using the graphic organizers. Highlighting your strengths and needs of improvements in two different colors is a great way to stay organized. Also, making a list of goals and keeping track of them as you teach a lesson is a great way to make sure your reaching all learners.
Having students work in groups is a great idea, by doing this then each student can then focus on what they are good at. When a student does something they are good at self confidence is built which is always a plus for students!
ReplyDeleteThe breakdown of your lessons are very detailed and provide lots of opportunities for all students to learn and be engaged. I especially like the idea of printed notes for students since note-taking is a big push with Common Core.
ReplyDelete