CETL Archives
Workshop Archive - Spring 2004
Title: Utilizing Universal Design in Your Teaching Methods
Moderator: Owen Zimpel, Director Student Disability Services
Date/Time/Location: Monday, February 9, 2004, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., Atwood
- Lady's Slipper or Thursday, February 12, 2004, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.,
Atwood - North Glacier
Description of Workshop: What is universal design, and what is it all about? It is the process of making the goals of learning attainable by all students regardless of learning style, as well as physical, sensory, organizational, or linguistic abilities. The process emphasizes meeting the unique educational needs of each student. It is important to understand, given the students' individual needs, that no product or method will ever be completely universal. Rather than taking a "one-size-fits-all" approach, universal design stresses flexible and customizable delivery of content, assignments, and activities. Universally-designed instruction provides a variety of alternatives for students with disabilities, the features of universal design benefit all students and may reduce the need for individualized accommodations.
This workshop will include a discussion of universal design as well as general guidelines for faculty as well as application guidelines, including how to make note-taking easier, make information available in multiple formats, provide advance organizers and summaries, use partners and cooperative groups to provide support, create a welcoming climate, and use a variety of methods to assess students' knowledge.
Some of the materials for this workshop have been provided through a grant opportunity through the Accommodating Students with Disabilities Project at Utah State University. A handbook is provided. This workshop will NOT duplicate the 4-part series offered Fall 2003.
