Principle of Representation - Guideline 2 - Criterion 2

Universal Design for Learning

Principle of Representation - Guideline 2 - Criterion 2

When developing a course using the first principle of Universal Design for Learning, there are three specific guidelines to assist us. The second, Language and Symbols focuses on maintaining clarity about the content provided.

Criterion 2 of this guideline advocates that we support decoding mathematical notation, symbols, and other text.

Decoding words or symbols fluently takes practice, as any young musician knows as they try to read music. Some learners will need meaningful and consistent exposure to specific symbols so they can comprehend the content effectively. Lack of fluency increases their cognitive load and reduces their ability to process the information. To promote equity, provide options to reduce the barriers that decoding may raise for those not familiar with the symbols. Consider: 

• Allowing text-to-speech
• Allow for flexibility and easy access to multiple representations of notation where appropriate (formulas and word problems).
• Offer a list of terms, or hyperlinks, to clarify key terms

By following these suggestions, your course will assist students communicating and expressing their knowledge, as well as being in line the Principle of Representation in the Theory of Universal Design for Learning.