Universal Design for Learning
Principle of Representation - Guideline 3 - Criterion 1
When developing a course using the first principle of Universal Design for Learning, there are three specific guidelines to assist us. The third, Comprehension focuses on maintaining clarity about the content provided.
Criterion 1 of this guideline advocates that we activate or supply background knowledge of the learners.
When you present information such that it primes or activates former knowledge, learners are more likely to assimilate the information. Those lacking critical background knowledge for assimilating the information face barriers that others do not. Likewise there may be some students with the appropriate background knowledge, but are unaware that it is relevant. To make a more equitable learning environment, these barriers need to be reduced. You can do this by:
- Activate prior knowledge by using visual images and process charts
- Use advanced organizers such as concept maps or information diagrams
- Review critical prerequisite concepts through demonstration or models
- Connect concepts with relevant analogies and metaphors
- Make explicit cross-curricular connections to demonstrate relationships
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.
