On my self-guided tour through Milbrook Elementary School, I noticed many great examples of teachers using UDL to cater to learner variability. In terms of engagement, representation, and expression, Milbrook had a wide variety of technology available in the classrooms. This included promethean boards which can be used for all three principles as well as laptops for each student. Another component of UDL that the school addresses is smaller class sizes. Due to them being a Title I school, they get extra funding which they put towards hiring more teachers. This in terms helps each and every student, regardless of their learning style. The teacher has more of a chance to learn how each of his/her students learn when there are less of them, so each student gets more help and attention. One of my favorite things I saw relates to the action and expression principle of UDL. Students are made to be as independent as possible, even at an early age. For example, in my 2nd grade classroom the students all have jobs. There are the device police, the calendar helper, the line leader and so on. This helps students to learn responsibility and have the ability to feel confident and an increase in self-importance.
I’m hoping to see how the teacher plans for the students in her class who have IEP’s or are higher performing. I haven’t had a chance to see her in action, but I am sure there is much more UDL to be seen. If there is one missed opportunity that I could see, it has to do with the cafeteria of all places. When I walked in there, everything just felt empty and drab, as the room was void of any color or inviting features. While some may think that it’s not important how a cafeteria looks or feels, there is much social interaction and learning that takes place there, and thus it is in fact important. I’d like to think more of what my ideas for improvement would be to change the atmosphere.
I’m hoping to see how the teacher plans for the students in her class who have IEP’s or are higher performing. I haven’t had a chance to see her in action, but I am sure there is much more UDL to be seen. If there is one missed opportunity that I could see, it has to do with the cafeteria of all places. When I walked in there, everything just felt empty and drab, as the room was void of any color or inviting features. While some may think that it’s not important how a cafeteria looks or feels, there is much social interaction and learning that takes place there, and thus it is in fact important. I’d like to think more of what my ideas for improvement would be to change the atmosphere.