Universal Design Checklist

Download This Checklist (.docx)

Do you create a learning environment in which…

ideas and information are represented in multiple ways?

• Your course syllabus clearly describes the content and your expectations of the students.
• You present information in multiple formats (e.g., lecture, text, graphics, audio, video, hands-on exercises).
• You begin each lecture with an outline of what will be covered.
• You summarize key points throughout the lecture, and tie these points to the larger course objectives.
• You post electronic equivalents of paper handouts and required reading assignments in alternative formats such as audio and video.
• You employ technologies (e.g., Clickers, Blackboard) that enhance learning.

students can express their comprehension in multiple ways?

• You encourage students to demonstrate knowledge and skills in ways other than traditional tests and exams (e.g., written essays, projects, portfolios, journals).
• Your assessments measure students' achievement of the learning objectives, as they are stated on the syllabus.
• You incorporate technologies that facilitate class communication and participation.
• You allow assignments to be submitted electronically.

students have multiple opportunities for engagement?

• You express enthusiasm for each topic you teach, and explain its real-world significance.
• You create a class climate in which student diversity is respected.
• You give prompt and instructive feedback on assignments.
• You make yourself available to students during office hours in flexible formats (e.g., face-to-face, email, online chat, telephone).

Universal Design for Learning Guidelines

I. Provide Multiple Means of Representation

1. 1 Perception

   • 1.1 Offer ways of customizing the display of information

   • 1.2 Offer alternatives for auditory information

   • 1.3 Offer alternatives for visual information

2. 2 Language, expressions, and symbols

   • 2.1 Clarify vocabulary and symbols

   • 2.2 Clarify syntax and structure

   • 2.3 Support decoding text, mathematical notation, and symbols

   • 2.4 Promote understanding across languages

   • 2.5 Illustrate through multiple media

3. 3 Comprehension

   • 3.1 Activate or supply background knowledge

   • 3.2 Highlight patterns, critical features, big ideas, and relationships

   • 3.3 Guide information processing, visualization, and manipulation

   • 3.4 Maximize transfer and generalization

Resourceful, knowledgeable learners

II. Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression

1. 4 Physical action

   • 4.1 Vary the methods for response and navigation

   • 4.2 Optimize access to tools and assistive technologies

2. 5 Expression and communication

   • 5.1 Use multiple media for communication

   • 5.2 Use multiple tools for construction and composition

   • 5.3 Build fluencies with graduated levels of support for practice and performance

3. 6 Executive function

   • 6.1 Guide appropriate goal-setting

   • 6.2 Support planning and strategy development

   • 6.3 Facilitate managing information and resources

   • 6.4 Enhance capacity for monitoring progress

Strategic, goal-directed learners

III. Provide Multiple Means of Engagement

1. 7 Recruiting interest

   • 7.1 Optimize individual choice and autonomy

   • 7.2 Optimize relevance, value, and authenticity

   • 7.3 Minimize threats and distractions

2. 8 Sustaining effort and persistence

   • 8.1 Heighten salience of goals and objectives

   • 8.2 Vary demands and resources to optimize challenge

   • 8.3 Foster collaboration and communication

   • 8.4 Increase mastery-oriented feedback

3. 9 Self-regulation

   • 9.1 Promote expectations and beliefs that optimize motivation

   • 9.2 Facilitate personal coping skills and strategies

   • 9.3 Develop self-assessment and reflection

Purposeful, motivated learners