The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) Spring 2021 workshop, “Learning Diversity and Inclusion,” highlights the responsibility teachers have to make their curriculum accessible for all of their students. The IBO workshop refers to the education research and development organization, CAST, to share the principles of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework.

Universal Design for Learning understands that every teacher needs to teach with diversity in mind because students bring unique combinations of skills, learning preferences, and interests to the classroom. Teachers can show all students that they are valued, included, and capable of success when they create learning opportunities that account for student diversity.

First, teachers can present new content in multiple ways. When teachers explicitly teach new facts, concepts and skills, they can provide students with chances to read, listen, and view multiple kinds of media. The different resources help all of the students connect to the learning objectives.

For each learning objective, teachers can provide students with some curated options. When students make some of their own choices, and explore an area that they find relevant, they are more likely to stay engaged and motivated.

Finally, just as teachers can present content in different ways, teachers should think about how students can show their learning in different ways. How one individual student best demonstrates their mastery of a learning objective may differ from another student!

The IBO aligns with the Universal Design for Learning framework because the IBO strives to make meaningful learning accessible to all students.


References

CAST.org. Retrieved June 1, 2021, from About Universal Design for Learning

International Baccalaureate Organization. (2016). Learning diversity and inclusion in IB programmes: Removing barriers to learning.