Universal Design for Learning
Principle of Engagement - Guideline 3 - Criterion 3
When developing a course using the third principle of Universal Design for Learning, there are three specific guidelines to assist us. The third, Self-Regulation addresses maintaining focus and determination.
Criterion 3 of this guideline advocates that we develop
self-assessment and reflection
Learners need to
monitor their emotions and reactions accurately in order to develop their
ability at self-regulation. The propensity and capacity for metacognition will
vary greatly among learners. As an instructor you should not be surprised
to have students who may require considerable amounts of explicit instruction
and modeling before they can self-assess effectively. For some, merely
recognizing that they are making progress can be highly motivating.
However, others may need more. The inability to recognize one’s own
progress can be a key demotivating factor. Having multiple models and
scaffolds of a variety of self-assessment techniques is important so learners
can select the ones that will work best for themselves. This will
increase learners’ awareness of their progress and how they may learn from
their mistakes. The latter is critical, as recognizing errors as educational
opportunities is critical for accelerating growth and success.
Some strategies to
meet this criterion include:
- Providing
tools to chart or display data that marks improvement to assist learners to modify
strategies that will aid in this success
- Providing
ample activities that offer timely feedback that better frames the learners' progress
- Developing
assignments that supply feedback and allow learners to reflect on the feedback and adapt new
strategies based on their reflection.
- Supplying
a developed gradebook, or
center, where learners can view their progress relative to the course
and have access to detailed feedback. (When using any learning
management system, such as Blackboard or Moodle, this is relatively easy
because the feedback areas are already linked to the grade center)
By following these suggestions, your course will assist students in communicating and expressing their knowledge, as well as being in line with the Principle of Engagement in the Theory of Universal Design for Learning.
