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Thriving in Academe
Best Practices

Responding to Student Needs

The nine principles in Universal Design for Instruction are the framework for best practices in meeting individual student learning needs. However, in course preparation, it is important to think globally and creatively, and to continually revisit Universal Design for Instruction principles.

Think globally. When you are trying to anticipate the variety of students who may be in your course, be sure to think about students with disabilities as well as students with a variety of learning needs.

For example, some students illustrate their knowledge best through oral presentations, while other students prefer to share their knowledge through writing. Universal Design for Instruction is not just for students with severe difficulties. By varying your instruction and assessments, you will be making it more likely that all of your students will learn deeply.

Think creatively. Creativity is the key to designing course assessments and lessons. Have fun planning and teaching your lessons. Not all students or all assignments and tests need to be in the same format throughout the semester.

Continually revisit Universal Design for Instruction principles. Once you have determined the course objectives and developed some class requirements, apply the Universal Design for Instruction principles. Then, as the course progresses, feel free to make changes that reflect your goals and that meet your students’ needs.

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