Universal Design for Learning & Differentiated Instruction
By: Elizabeth Smith
Definition
Differentiated Instruction (DI)
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
A framework for designing instruction from the start to meet the needs of all learners by providing multiple ways to access, engage with, and show understanding of content.
A teaching approach where instruction is adjusted based on individual student needs, readiness levels, interests, and learning profiles.
Knowledege Check!
Directions: Drag statements to correct box. If you get an answer wrong it will bring you back to the previous slide to reread the information.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Differentiated Instruction (DI)
A framework for designing lessons in advance that provide multiple ways for all students to access, engage with, and demonstrate learning.
An approach where teachers adjust instruction based on individual student needs, readiness, interests, and learning styles.
Goals
UDL
DI
- Remove barriers to learning
- increase access
- support independence and engagement.
- Meet students at their level
- support growth
- address diverse needs.
Knowledege Check!
Directions: Drag statements to correct box. If you get an answer wrong it will bring you back to the previous slide to reread the information.
UDL
DI
Increase access
Address diverse needs
Support growth
Meet students at their level
Support independence and engagement
Remove barriers to learning
Key Principles
UDL
DI
Four main areas:
- Content – what students learn
- Process – how students learn
- Product – how students show learning
- Learning Environment – classroom conditions
Three core areas:
- Multiple Means of Engagement : the why of learning.
- Multiple Means of Representation : the what of learning.
- Multiple Means of Action & Expression : the how of learning.
Knowledege Check!
Directions: Drag statements to correct box. If you get an answer wrong it will bring you back to the previous slide to reread the information.
UDL
DI
Product
Action & Expression.
Learning Environment
Representation
Content
Process
Engagement
Lesson Building Components
UDL
DI
- Plan multiple ways to present content (visuals, audio, hands-on)
- Offer choices in activities
- Build in supports (scaffolds, models, tools) for all students
- Flexible grouping from the start
- Modify assignments for different readiness levels
- Use small groups based on skill level
- Adjust pacing or complexity
- Provide targeted support for specific students
Knowledege Check!
Directions: Drag statements to correct box. If you get an answer wrong it will bring you back to the previous slide to reread the information.
UDL
DI
Adjusted during instruction
Includes choices
Multiple formats
Built into lesson design
Supports for all learners.
Pacing changes
Grouping
Modifying tasks
Assessments
UDL
DI
- Multiple ways to demonstrate learning (write, draw, explain, model)
- Flexible assessments for all students
- Focus on removing barriers (not lowering expectations)
- Different versions of assessments
- Adjust difficulty, supports, or format
- May include modified expectations for some students
Knowledege Check!
Directions: Drag statements to correct box. If you get an answer wrong it will bring you back to the previous slide to reread the information.
UDL
DI
Multiple ways for students to show learning
Same goal, different methods
Modified assessments based on student needs
May vary in difficulty or support
Enviornmental & Materials Considerations
UDL
DI
- Flexible seating options
- Visual supports (charts, anchor posters)
- Access to technology/tools
- Clear routines and structure
- Materials accessible to all students
- Small group areas
- Tiered materials (different levels)
- Teacher-led instruction groups
- Ongoing adjustments based on student needs
Knowledege Check!
Directions: Drag statements to correct box. If you get an answer wrong it will bring you back to the previous slide to reread the information.
UDL
DI
Visuals
Accessible materials & technology
Changing setup
Teacher-led support
Structured routines
Flexible seating
Leveled materials
Small groups
Quick Summary:
UDL
DI
Reactive/flexible (adjust for specific students)
Proactive (plan ahead for everyone)
Support for INDIVIDUAL differences
Access for ALL.
3 brain-based categories
4 classroom elements you adjust
Built into lesson design
Adjustments during/after planning
Inclusive setup from the start
Flexible setup that changes based on students
Universal Design for Learning & Differentiated Instruction
Elizabeth Smith
Created on April 1, 2026
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Transcript
Universal Design for Learning & Differentiated Instruction
By: Elizabeth Smith
Definition
Differentiated Instruction (DI)
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
A framework for designing instruction from the start to meet the needs of all learners by providing multiple ways to access, engage with, and show understanding of content.
A teaching approach where instruction is adjusted based on individual student needs, readiness levels, interests, and learning profiles.
Knowledege Check!
Directions: Drag statements to correct box. If you get an answer wrong it will bring you back to the previous slide to reread the information.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Differentiated Instruction (DI)
A framework for designing lessons in advance that provide multiple ways for all students to access, engage with, and demonstrate learning.
An approach where teachers adjust instruction based on individual student needs, readiness, interests, and learning styles.
Goals
UDL
DI
Knowledege Check!
Directions: Drag statements to correct box. If you get an answer wrong it will bring you back to the previous slide to reread the information.
UDL
DI
Increase access
Address diverse needs
Support growth
Meet students at their level
Support independence and engagement
Remove barriers to learning
Key Principles
UDL
DI
Four main areas:
Three core areas:
Knowledege Check!
Directions: Drag statements to correct box. If you get an answer wrong it will bring you back to the previous slide to reread the information.
UDL
DI
Product
Action & Expression.
Learning Environment
Representation
Content
Process
Engagement
Lesson Building Components
UDL
DI
Knowledege Check!
Directions: Drag statements to correct box. If you get an answer wrong it will bring you back to the previous slide to reread the information.
UDL
DI
Adjusted during instruction
Includes choices
Multiple formats
Built into lesson design
Supports for all learners.
Pacing changes
Grouping
Modifying tasks
Assessments
UDL
DI
Knowledege Check!
Directions: Drag statements to correct box. If you get an answer wrong it will bring you back to the previous slide to reread the information.
UDL
DI
Multiple ways for students to show learning
Same goal, different methods
Modified assessments based on student needs
May vary in difficulty or support
Enviornmental & Materials Considerations
UDL
DI
Knowledege Check!
Directions: Drag statements to correct box. If you get an answer wrong it will bring you back to the previous slide to reread the information.
UDL
DI
Visuals
Accessible materials & technology
Changing setup
Teacher-led support
Structured routines
Flexible seating
Leveled materials
Small groups
Quick Summary:
UDL
DI
Reactive/flexible (adjust for specific students)
Proactive (plan ahead for everyone)
Support for INDIVIDUAL differences
Access for ALL.
3 brain-based categories
4 classroom elements you adjust
Built into lesson design
Adjustments during/after planning
Inclusive setup from the start
Flexible setup that changes based on students