The Addressing Evolving Needs with Universal Design for Learning Practicum is a three-week, cohort-based online program designed for participants to reflect on the evolving needs of students and instructors, with an emphasis on mental health.
This practicum is now an open educational resource!
Have the past two years challenged your approach to teaching?
Do you want to better understand the challenges your students are facing and how small changes to your course design can have big impacts in meeting these evolving needs?
Are you looking for practical ways to offer more inclusive, accessible, and flexible learning opportunities to benefit all students?
Are you interested in further exploring the concept of Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?
Join colleagues this three-week, cohort-based online program designed for instructors of all levels, backgrounds, and teaching contexts to reflect on the evolving needs of students and instructors, with an emphasis on mental health. Following the events of the past couple of years, explore how elements of course design can have varying impacts on students, and learn to implement Universal Design for Learning principles to create more supportive, inclusive, and accessible learning environments for all.
This practicum will draw on expertise and experience from around the university to explore practical ways to implement UDL solutions in syllabi, Canvas pages, course materials, assignments and assessments, and learning experiences. This is the third practicum in a three-part series, and it continues the format of weaving together interactive synchronous sessions, asynchronous learning activities, individual consultations, and opportunities to learn with and from peers.
Note: This is the third practicum in a series, which has previously featured the 2020-21 Foundations of Online Teaching Practicum and 2021-21 Inclusive Teaching Practicum. You do not need to have participated in previous practica to participate in this year’s practicum.
Instructors of all levels, backgrounds, and teaching contexts at Northwestern University.
Application or Registration
Registration for the Winter iteration has closed.
Objectives
By participating in this practicum, you will:
Reflect on the impact of the pandemic and other current events on student and instructor mental health and well being, as related to the teaching and learning experience
Recognize how aspects of your current course design may unintentionally exacerbate challenges faced by students
Understand how utilizing UDL principles can reduce your need to implement individual solutions for students experiencing barriers:
Explore ways to incorporate multiple means of representation of course material into course design to ensure all are able to access and understand key topics
Explore ways to redesign assessments offering multiple means of expression to optimize opportunities for all students to accurately demonstrate their learning
Explore ways to offer multiple means of engagement throughout a course to enhance all students’ motivation to learn
Apply specific UDL practices to syllabi, Canvas sites, course materials, assessments, and learning experiences.
I thought the UDLP was phenomenal.... It was thoughtfully structured, I loved the opportunity to do individual consultations..., and I learned a lot from both the sessions in general and fellow participants. It was so refreshing and invigorating to see how many people at Northwestern are interested in implementing UDL in their classrooms!" “This program was spectacular! ... This is a must for faculty. Kudos... for designing such a wonderful experience. Thank you!”
