Going Beyond UDL
In this course, we go beyond UDL to examine the ways that intersecting experiences of privilege and oppression impact student learning in the learning environments and curriculum that we design. We also reflect on our own lived experiences as educators, working face-to-face with learners, and as members of multidisciplinary communities sharing similar values and vision.
Reflecting on and designing curriculum that challenges oppressive barriers to learning for student demographics found in Ontario postsecondary institutions is no doubt daunting because it also calls into question the larger systems and processes beyond the curriculum that conserve the status quo. We are sure that many of you envisioned change in your Introduction post that may well require an institutional overhaul!
You may want to take a moment now to check back in on the Meet Your Learning Community Discussion. Speaking of future vision have a look at this visionary video:
A College Professor Shares His Thoughts on UDL and College Admission Standards
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>> Hi. Wanted to contribute to the discussion and I’ll do so in Sign Language. Specifically, I wanted to talk about the college and its admissions standards. I'm wondering if the college’s admissions standards-- has there been any thought to revising that to accommodate a more UDL approach? The challenge that I want to highlight is that many Deaf individuals would like to apply to the college in order to advance themselves; however, quite often they find themselves impeded by the English requirement. Many Deaf individuals have experienced language deprivation, whether at schools for the Deaf; in a mainstream setting or being the only Deaf person in school. Many of them have faced barriers to English. And so when they’re trying to apply to college, they are often unsuccessful because of the level of English that’s required by the college system. So I’m putting this out there as a challenge to have this discussion around the college's system and whether or not the admissions standards can be revised to include a more UDL approach that would recognize the diversity of individuals and allow for an opportunity to enter the college system. Many Deaf individuals are very fluent language users and are able to communicate easily in Sign Language. They absolutely have a language and yet they’re being denied the chance. Why not allow them to demonstrate their language use in Sign Language? Just like I’m doing here? So that they can further their studies. So, some food for thought for discussion. Thank you.
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A college professor shares his thoughts on UDL and college admission standards and processes - Runtime 2:09 min
https://youtu.be/wQQlK4-FUhg