When a teacher takes into account the fact that learner variability is the norm in the classroom, they have already started taking a UDL approach to lesson planning. Instead of planning a lesson where the teacher is attempting to “shoot for the middle” or “average” learner, the teacher is now considering each student as perfectly capable, just in different ways.
Taking a variability perspective allows the teacher to create the most proactive lesson plan possible-and it all starts with their learning environment. After the learning environment is accessible for various learners and their styles, the teacher might think about goals as more open-ended. Goals and objectives no longer have to be constricting but instead can use general words that allow students to reach those goals in whatever way shows their best work. A variability perspective in a lesson plan shows much flexibility in the teacher and classroom.
Taking a variability perspective allows the teacher to create the most proactive lesson plan possible-and it all starts with their learning environment. After the learning environment is accessible for various learners and their styles, the teacher might think about goals as more open-ended. Goals and objectives no longer have to be constricting but instead can use general words that allow students to reach those goals in whatever way shows their best work. A variability perspective in a lesson plan shows much flexibility in the teacher and classroom.