Inclusive Learning, Teaching and Assessment Practice
Inclusive learning, teaching and assessment in higher education examines ways in which learning materials and resources, as well as teaching and assessment pracitices can be presented in a manner that is accessible to a diverse student community. It results in a learning experience that is more relevant to individual learners.
A key feature of inclusive practice is Universal Design for Learning
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework applied in education promoting accessibility to learning for all, creating an inclusive learning environment.
Often learning experiences are designed as a one size fits all, catering to the typical student in a group. UDL, making use of the principles of Universal Design, aims to reach many different learners through “the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design” (Center for Universal Design, 2008 cited by UNC Charlotte, n.d.).
Benefits of Inclusive Education
Benefits
- Encourages the development of student-centred learning experiences;
- Encourages students to be responsible participants in learning;
- It reaches out to all participants promoting greater accessibility to:
- students from all backgrounds,
- English as Second Language (ESL) learners,
- students with disabilities,
- students with learning difficulties.
Lecturers also benefit from a UDL approach to learning:
By presenting materials in a variety of formats, they are more accessible to individual students. By encouraging students to revisit materials outside of the classroom as needed, and scaffolding learning to challenge learners to work independently, lecturers give their students more opportunities to demonstrate their learning.
Useful Resources
For more information
Contact
Catherine O’Donoghue catherine.odonoghue@tus.ie or the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Development (CPID) cpid@tus.ie