Teaching and Learning: Universal Design for Learning

The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:

1. Individuals are unique in how they learn.  Effective practitioners match teaching methods to meet the needs of the individuals, the activity at hand and the context in which it is happening. Practitioners enhance the learning environment to minimize learning barriers.
2. Monitoring and evaluating progress are integral elements of teaching and learning because they help pinpoint areas for new learning, challenges and successes.
3. Creative problem solving, flexibility and developing adaptations are important skills for effective practitioners.  These skills facilitate the teaching and learning process, especially for those with complex needs.
4. How and when to provide and fade assistance are important elements of effective teaching and learning which promote personal autonomy and independence.
5. Collaborative planning which involves the individual, team and family or support network enhances the teaching and learning process.  This process provides greater opportunity for generalization for newly acquired skills.
6. The principle of caring underlies practitioners’ actions and interactions.  It is reflected in their language, the methods they employ, and their respect for the individuals they support and with whom they work.
7. Communication skills are integral to teaching and learning interactions.  They include recognizing and practicing a range of communication methods, both verbal and non-verbal, expressive and receptive.