Universal Design for Learning
Every student learns differently. It’s called learner variability, and it’s the norm, not the exception. UDL-inspired classroom spaces are intentionally designed to accommodate all learning styles.
Flavors Cantilever Chair: The cantilever legs provide a little bounce which helps some students focus during lessons. The Flavors shell allows students to sit in 4 different positions.
Soft Seating: Soft seating options give students a different sensory experience than a hard chair.
Screen: The screens can provide a private place for students to retreat to when the noise of the classroom gets overwhelming.
Group Table: A group table allows teachers to pull small groups of students for differentiated learning lessons.
Oodle®: The Oodle movement stool gives students a 360-degree wobble.
Oodle®: The Oodle movement stool gives students a 360-degree wobble.
Flexible Desks: Having desks that can easily move around the classroom ensures students and teachers the freedom to layout the room into a configuration perfect for the type of instruction being used.
All students can become expert learners. That’s the goal of Universal Design for Learning.
Universal Design for Learning, or UDL, is one of the biggest factors shaping the intentional design of modern K–12 classrooms today. In short, it’s a framework for teaching and learning that treats students’ varied physical, intellectual and learning needs as the norm. Creating “expert learners,” is a matter of changing the design of the environment (removing barriers) rather changing the learner.
Creating the UDL-Inspired Classroom
Flexibility and choice are the soul of the UDL classroom. Everything, from furniture to technology, is thoughtfully chosen through the lens of UDL’s guiding principles:
- Representation: Offer students multiple ways to acquire information and knowledge.
- Engagement: Offer multiple ways for students to tap their interests and stay motivated.
- Action & Expression: Offer students multiple ways to interact with the material and demonstrate what they’ve learned.
UDL Furniture Considerations: Inclusion is Key
Reading/writing, auditory, visual, kinesthetic? All students benefit from an accessible environment that meets their personal learning style and accepts their learning differences. The UDL-infused space offers creative furniture options for everyone.
Seating and Space Dividers
The UDL classroom gives students a choice of standing, sitting on “active” chairs, semi-private quiet pods, and casual lounging, alone or in groups. The classroom seating must be comfortable and offer a range of movement, positions and functions. Use partial space dividers to create zones for learning styles.
Desks and Tables
UDL spaces require desks or tables that can stand alone or tuck together for go-big projects and group work. Be sure to add power options and screen mounts, and low-tech whiteboards.
Outdoor Classrooms
Humans crave connecting with nature, or at least getting fresh air. Smith System offers durable chairs, benches, tables and more for designing comfortable UDL outdoor classrooms, especially in warm climates.
Dealer Updates
Universal Design for Learning: How to create UDL classrooms that ‘bust the barriers’ for students
For many K–12 students, the path to learning is riddled with barriers, big and small. Universal Design for Learning is an inclusive approach that’s redefining those educational obstacles as valuable opportunities.
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