Beginning Again & UDL Lesson Building

I had created a previous blog, but cannot get into it. So - I have started a new blog!

UDL Lesson Building:
I enjoyed the lesson building. I struggled with writing a detailed lesson plan since I do not have to do this in my current position. I also began the UDL self check application. I also found it hard to answer those questions since this was the first lesson plan I had written in close to 4 years. I did notice that I was answering for what I typically see in other teachers. I serve Auditory Impaired students and work with a variety of teachers. Very few at the middle school level ensure that my students understand the lesson goals, have choices in the presentation of understanding, or receive instructions in varied formats. My students' IEP goals include accommodations for the instructions to be given both orally and visually. This is seldom done. Unfortunately, I can't make an accommmodation for my students to present work in whichever way they feel the most comfortable. Oh, how I wish I could! I feel that all students would show more interest in school if they could learn in their own unique style.

When designing a lesson for our group project, I focused on the Events Leading to the Constitution. All students must learn to research a topic and present information. I decided that the students in our scenario would use a variety of resources for reseaching - videos, books, and websites. I feel this would cover most information sources and would allow students to use a medium they feel comfortable with. The next big thing that includes choice is the presentation. UDL methods could include: PowerPoint, another multimedia presentation, skit, written report, oral presentation, poster, pictures, etc. I chose 4 main options for students to choose from. I tried to choose 4 that would encompass most students' interests. The gifted students in the scenario can take any option and add onto it or go above and beyond the requirements. The blind and hearing impaired students can modify any of the presentation methods to fit their specific needs. The "other" students can find a method that fits them the best. While choosing methods/options for the lesson, I tried to keep in mind that each option needed to fit individual student needs. I know that if I tried to write a UDL lesson for every subject everyday, I would find myself in a rut when listing presentation methods. I think I need a lot more practice to actively think outside the box.