How Universal Design can improve the way we learn
Redesigning the classroom for language learning.
In her article on “Frustration is a design opportunity” Ce Manalang shares her insights into the principles of design and how the way we view the world can be the catalyst for change. Bad design can be frustrating and in the classroom is no exception. How we can use this as fuel for our creative fire?
Students faced with too many new challenges in the classroom can be overwhelmed and ultimate mentally check-out of a lesson. Organizing information work flows, designing for multiple intelligences and implementing universal design in the classroom can help curb frustration and allow for new information to be taken in easily.
What drives you mad?
Lack of student participation. Unappealing textbooks. Finding the almost microscopic “x” on the barrage of pop up ads while you load videos. These are the moments we sigh, shift focus or lose interest entirely. These annoyances are felt by both teachers and students and can sometimes make or a break a lesson flow.
- How can we make frustrating things more enjoyable?
- How can we solve the problem?
Choose a scenario that often brings about a level of difficulty for your students (waiting in line at the bank, security checks at airports or even attending your class) and ask them to answer those questions using the target language. Use a topic appropriate to their level and watch their critical thinking skills blossom as they pin point areas of frustration and come up with creative solutions. For more on setting up activities check out Goalbook “5-steps for designing instructions”.
Why should we care?
The Internet of Caring Things – a term coined by Susann Keohane are things that leverage the use of cognitive technologies. Caring Things personalize and connect individuals to relevant content and interests.
Carol Smith introduced some qualities the “Internet of Caring Things” should convey – context, connection, cognition to list a few. How can educators convey some of these qualities in the classroom? Digital personalized technology for education coupled with print/project resources all deliver on the promise of Universal Design for Learning, providing students with the equal opportunity to learn through multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement.
Designing a connected classroom experience starts with analyzing the way we connect with our devices and the qualities we want to communicate to our students.
Universal Design in the classroom.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principals are being increasingly embraced by educators. According to Dr Debbie Donsky Universal design is a concept taken from architecture that has been used in education to mean not just how we design the physical space for learning, but how we plan learning – the resources, the strategies, the actions – so that all learners can learn.
“universal design through multiple intelligences is effective instruction.” – Dr Debbie Donsky
Lesson planning with multiple intelligences in mind helps to diversify activities, engage learners and provide small wins for students who struggle with traditional teaching styles. As alec goss describes in his article; multiple intelligence theory is commonly utilized by video games to build player interaction, develop player skills and provide incentives for consistent game play. As teachers we can implementing interactive digital media to break repetitive learning patterns and provide new pathways to engage with the material, stimulate receptiveness to learning and appeal to multiple intelligences.
Connecting the Dots in the Classroom.
In the classroom, we take our frustrations and turn them into pathways for learning. In my EFL (english as a foreign-language) classes in Tokyo it can often be a challenge for students to share their stories without reverting to their native language (especially in low level classes). They were assigned a task to share their challenges living abroad for a semester using only the target language and an iPad. Their presentations included short films, memes and photo essays which helped them narrate their stories in their target language. Students who were less keen on public speaking were able to record their video and present it. Applying UCL principles to the lesson helped students connect the dots, share their ideas and use their creativity to overcome limitations.
Universal Design principles are the pillars that support educators as problem solvers. We create a space for inclusivity, accessibility and curiosity. So the next time you encounter frustration in your classroom; ask yourself how can it become a design opportunity.
Want to learn more?
Want to get an industry-recognized Course Certificate in UX Design, Design Thinking, UI Design, or another related design topic? Online UX courses from the Interaction Design Foundation can provide you with industry-relevant skills to advance your UX career. For example, Design Thinking, Become a UX Designer from Scratch, Conducting Usability Testing or User Research — Methods and Best Practices are some of the most popular courses. Good luck on your learning journey!
Rishma Hansil is a UX designer and English Language Teacher living and working in Tokyo Japan.
