The conference theme of classrooms as learning experiences that embrace diverse student needs will be explored in this session through a grant-funded research project recently begun. The significance of Universal Design for Learning is growing rapidly in the context of postsecondary education and pedagogy. In order to widen access to learning and create an inclusive learning environment for a diverse student population university and college campuses in Quebec have started to work with Faculty to implement principles of Universal Design in their teaching practices. UDL promotes a proactive approach to planning a course, which can create more sustainable teaching practices and reduce the need for more costly ‘retrofitting’ methods done through classroom accommodations, often used to support the needs of today’s diverse student population.
The project is a collaboration between five post-secondary institutions in Montreal: McGill University, John Abbott College, Marianopolis College, Dawson College and Centennial College. Spanning a three-year process, the project culminates in the creation of a user-friendly pedagogical toolkit using a qualitative mixed method action research approach. Initial research began during the winter semester of 2014 and will conclude in the fall of 2014.
The project’s goals are:
The audience will engage in exploring access and barriers to learning through an interactive exploration of the topic of UDL (for those unfamiliar with it). A questions and answer period will follow the presentation.