Are we "teaching every student"? Can we? How?

I do not think that we are reaching every student BUT...

we can and we must.

In the book "Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age" by David H. Rose and Anne Meyer there is an excellent framework for setting up a class or a whole school of students for success.  The brain is an amazing computer and the way it processes is different in each person.  It is important to realize those differences in order to open the learning up to everyone in a class but using the UDL guidelines there is no need for "differentiation" to be a separate entry in a lesson plan.

In Chapter 2, the division of the brain into 3 networks was eye opening.  The "recognition" or "what" of learning is the actual teaching of the information.  The "strategic" or "how" of learning focuses on the skills and strategies.  The last part is the "affective" or "why" of learning is about teaching the love of learning - enjoying the process and understanding how it fits in life.

"The simple truth is, the natural variety of recognition strengths and weaknesses within a typical classroom prevents any single presentational medium from yielding an unbiased, accurate assessment for the entire class." (Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age. Rose and Meyer 2007).  Assessments are always a trick subject.  Just as every student learns differently they also show their acquired knowledge differently.  

The UDL Class Profile Maker, once set up, is a powerful tool for the teacher to use in analyzing students learning styles, areas of difficulty and monitoring individual and class progress.  There is a place for reflections and guidance provided when a teacher struggles with how to reach a struggling student.      

There is learning in the playing of games and the students are more likely to "play" along.



This is a GREAT video I found on Youtube that shows a UDL lesson.  There is commentary from the members of the UDL staff.  It is 10 minutes long but it explains in detail how the lesson meets the criteria of UDL and shows how to integrate many learning styles into a lesson that works for all.  There are 30 students and 11 different languages!  (2 teachers)

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KuTJJQWnMaQ  
                               

"Though each school and district is unique, certain fundamental components are important to implementing UDL throughout a system. Eight key factors that made a difference in Concord, NH form a framework for planning and monitoring progress: technology infrastructure; obtaining and managing digital content resources; administrative support; teacher training and support; redefined roles for special and regular education teachers; a new curriculum planning model; parent and community involvement; and creative funding."  (Teaching every Student in the Digital Age. Rose and MeyerUDL website Chapter 8

Here is the visual representation of the eight key factors for implementing the UDL system.