UDL+Reflection+and+Lesson


 * __UDL Lesson Reflection:__**

CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) tells us that a UDL is created with all students in mind, regardless of their academic ability. The philosophy behind the UDL is that it enables teachers to critically examine the components of a lesson such as objectives, methods of delivery, instructional materials needed and assessment. The UDL provides the framework teachers utilize in organizing multiple ways that students gain information and knowledge. Their research on brain processing found that the brain processes information through three brain networks, recognition networks, strategic networks, and affective networks. Briefly explained, recognition networks deal with the “what” of learning (what is seen, heard, read); strategic networks deal with the “how” of learning (organizing and expressing ideas); and finally, affective networks, the “why” of learning (challenges and excitement).

The development of the UDL lesson was a very challenging experience. It forces you to focus on all areas and all students. It requires you to focus on the objectives to be addressed, and activities that focus on each of the three brain networks. Activities that focus on the recognition networks provide various examples, highlighting critical features, provide lessons that have multiple media and formats, and support background context. Strategic network activities provide various ways to model skilled performances, provide opportunities to practice a new skill, provide relevant and frequent feedback, and multiple ways to demonstrate the new skill. Finally, affective network activities offer choices of tools and content, various levels of challenge, rewards and a choice of learning context. The development of the lesson was a lot of work; it required a lot of thought and reflection in every stage beginning with the topic to the methods and activities that were needed to teach the concept to a diverse population.

Yes, it was a ton of work but it was well worth it. When I completed my lesson plan I felt a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that I had provided a well thought out and through lesson that would address all student needs and all areas of engagement. I was excited to share my lesson and then realized I teach high school – not elementary. I am committed to using the UDL to create a lesson in my own classroom to see the difference in the level of engagement and learning of my students. I am convinced that this will have a positive impact from my level of enthusiasm to teach the lesson and from the students level of enthusiasm and engagement.