UDL - Trying to Create a Lesson

Let’s begin at the beginning with Universal Design for Learning - and then leap forward to the end and shimmy ourselves backward. Why?  You’ll see.  That’s how we should begin at the beginning/end.  

First, we need to figure out what the class is, and what the goal of the unit/lesson is going to be.  So, let’s create the outer edges of the section - that’s where we come in.  

 

Let’s take the Civil War.  That’s a Large Topic, eh?!    

Let’s begin with our goal for this section of the larger unit - 

But, better yet, let’s create the anticipatory set - 

(we can figure this one out)

 

Goal:  The Student Will be Able to Demonstrate an Understanding of the Causes of the Civil War. 

 

Now, Let’s formulate a Rubric that will give the student an idea of what they need to accomplish to achieve this goal successfully.  For help with Rubrics, try Introduction to Rubrics: An Assessment Tool to Save Grading Time, Convey Effective Feedback, and Promote Student Learning 2nd Edition - Dannelle  D. Stevens

Give the students some time to figure out what they would need to do in order to find out what the causes of the Civil War were - perhaps in pairs or groups - they can brainstorm ideas of where they might find the information and how to best obtain it for themselves.  Then, make a list on the board, overhead, flip board, padlet, whatever method you and the students might engage in  - try a variety of them. 

 

Next, ask the students to choose their method of presenting their research and work.  It could be:

• •  an essay
  • a PowerPoint 
  • a graphic novel 
  • an ABC book
  •  a video; a blog (perhaps one that reflects feelings of someone viewing the events as they unfold objectively)
  •  something with music
  • Something with art
  • a game with a game board - rules, pieces, and components that teach about the Civil War

• Consider more possibilities - and allow the students to come up with their own

 

Once they have chosen, take note of what materials you may need to bring in for them.  Ask the students what supports they need from you to help them be successful - negotiate.  

 

Look a the final goals?  How much time do we need to achieve this?  What should each student be accountable for each day?  How do we stay on track?   What do we need in order to remain on track?  How do we break up our time?   The goal is for everyone to find success.