Universal Design for Learning: Considerations about a Teacher Training Course

ABSTRACT:

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a theoretical-practical construct that enables teachers to plan lessons that consider the heterogeneity present in classrooms. In 2022, an online extension course was offered to train basic education teachers on UDL and its possibilities for application in the classroom. This course served as the data source for this investigative work, which aimed to analyze the theoretical and practical activities of 11 participating teachers. To this end, the files of these activities were compiled, and a comprehensive reading was carried out in order to identify categories. Six categories were defined: conception of inclusive education practice; inclusive strategies; universal design for learning; school organization that hinders the application of UDL; teacher’s role; and technological resources. In this research report, data from the category “Universal Design for Learning” are presented. The results indicate an understanding or approximation of the theoretical perspective of UDL, an understanding of its principles, and also some misconceptions held by the teachers-trainees. However, the findings highlight the need for further training initiatives to work with universalist approaches.

KEYWORDS:
Universal Design for Learning; Teacher training; School inclusion; Inclusive pedagogical practices; Universalist approaches