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Universal Design for Learning
The Representation Principle

Introduction to Multiple Means of Representation

This video offers an overview of the second UDL principle and explains the ways that the Representation principle contributes to the goal of fostering learning expertiseOpens in a new window by offering options for perception, interpretation, and comprehension.

Introduction to Multiple Means of Representation4:47 min
Reflect

How may options can you come up with to deliver the following message: “Blueberries are good for your brain”?

As mentioned in the introductory video and depicted in this image, the UDL principle of Multiple Means of Representation organizes the ways recognition occurs using three guidelines:

  • options for perception,
  • options to represent language and symbols, and
  • options for the construction of meaning and comprehension.
A circle diagram split into three parts. Each part contains a label corresponding to one of the guidelines of the Multiple Means of Representation principle. These are: “Options for perception,” “Options for comprehension,” and “Options for language and symbols.” The outside of the diagram has three curved arrows that all point clockwise. Each arrow covers the perimeter that corresponds to each guideline. The diagram, arrows, and text are purple to match the colour-coding of the principle in the UDL framework.

As discussed in Module 2, learners do not have fixed learning styles, and while many at times describe preferences for various ways of learning, these are highly variable. Our role as educators is to create a clearly described buffet that learners can navigate easily and which allows them to experiment with different ways of interacting with the materials.

Next sectionOptions for Perception, Language, and Symbols