Month: February 2023

Universal design for learning (UDL) is a significant framework that helps optimize the way that learners are able to engage with information (CAST, 2018). It is an important tool made for a diverse group of end-users to help accommodate the wide variety of approaches to learning so as to overcome existing barriers of learning opportunities (CAST, 2018). There are currently three principles to UDL (Durham College, n.d.):

1. Provide Multiple Means of Representation: “Present information and content in different ways”
2. Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression: “Differentiate the ways that students can express what they know”
3. Provide Multiple Means of Engagement: “Stimulate interest and motivation for learning”

For our interactive learning resource, my group members and I have chosen to design for English language learners (ELL) and for individuals who do not have access at home but has a mobile phone with a data plan. We are currently in the process of refining our learning context to students that are in grades 10-12 pursuing self-paced studies through WordPress. Keeping UDL in mind along with our group of learners, here are a few brief ideas to be considered to help accommodate for their needs:

• Show clear navigation of blog posts (headings, subheadings, etc.) to make content logical and understandable; utilize a mobile-friendly layout that accommodates content on smaller screens
• Include a variety of content delivery (images, videos, written & audio); resources that include closed captions are preferable
• Provide definitions and translations for key terms and encourage peer-to-peer support
• Use proper instructions and rubrics and to demonstrate clear expectations of assignments and activities

References

CAST. (2018). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines version 2.2. Retrieved from http://udlguidelines.cast.org

Durham College. (n.d.) Overview of 3 UDL Principles. Retrieved from https://durhamcollege.ca/ctl/teaching/planning-to-teach/udl/3-udl-principles/#:~:text=Universally%20designed%20curriculum%20provides%20students,accommodation%20for%20students%20with%20disabilities.

As demonstrated in the course website, cooperative learning is a teaching technique that promotes small groups of learners working together on a shared task or goal through social interactions (EDCI335, 2023). The purpose of cooperative learning is for all members to strengthen each individual’s understanding of concepts through a group effort. According to Johnson and Johnson (2019), there are 5 characteristics to cooperative learning:

1. Positive Interdependence: This refers to the idea that each individual’s success is dependent on the success of the group as a whole. In cooperative learning, students collaborate to achieve a common objective, and each individual’s progress is linked to the progress of the group.
2. Individual Accountability: Each student is responsible for their own learning, as well as the learning of their peers in their group. This accountability helps to motivate students and encourages them to participate actively in the learning process to achieve their common goal.
3. Promotive interaction: Group members will strive to assist and praise each other, in addition to each individual’s effort to learn. This can come in the form of discussion where classmates solve problems and teach any gaps of knowledge with one another.
4. Group Processing: This characteristic will involve discussing what went well, what didn’t, and how improvements can be made as a team. It emphasizes the process of improvement collectively as a team, and also individually.
5. Social skills: Group members will practice and develop their communication, leadership, problem-solving, and conflict resolution throughout the course of their learning.

With a target audience of grades 10-12, our group has decided on the topic “How to develop a growth mindset”. I do believe cooperative learning aligns well with our topic. In one aspect, it allows students to encourage effort over ability. One example includes interactive Zoom discussion sessions with other peers (i.e., breakout rooms involving brainstorming and analyzing).

Learners will understand the importance of working and contributing as a collective regardless of individual abilities, as they must achieve a common goal with one another. Furthermore, it can promote learning from failures. By supporting each other, students will recognize that the process of improvement is ongoing and is fundamentally a natural part of the learning process. As a result of this form of learning, students will ultimately build confidence in their own abilities and in their ability to learn within and outside the boundaries of academic learning. Overall, when compared to individualistic efforts, learners will experience benefits of increased levels of self-esteem, productivity, and psychological wellness (Johnson & Johnson, 2019).

References

EDCI335. (2023). Cooperative Learning. Retrieved from https://edtechuvic.ca/edci335/cooperative-learning/

W. Johnson, D., & T. Johnson, R. (2019). Cooperative Learning: The Foundation for Active Learning. Active Learning – Beyond the Future. doi: 10.5772/intechopen.81086