| Literature DB >> 28729974 |
Elizabeth M Dalton1, Judith Anne Mckenzie2, Callista Kahonde2.
Abstract
South Africa has adopted an inclusive education policy in order to address barriers to learning in the education system. However, the implementation of this policy is hampered by the lack of teachers' skills and knowledge in differentiating the curriculum to address a wide range of learning needs. In this paper we provided a background to inclusive education policy in South Africa and a brief exposition of an instructional design approach, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) that addresses a wide range of learning needs in a single classroom. We reported on a workshop conducted with teachers and therapists in South Africa as a first attempt to introduce UDL in this context. Knowledge of UDL was judged to be appropriate and useful by the course participants in the South African context as a strategy for curriculum differentiation in inclusive classrooms. Furthermore, knowledge of the UDL framework facilitates dialogue between teachers and therapists and provides a relatively simple and comprehensive approach for curriculum differentiation. We therefore conclude that there is potential for this approach that can be expanded through further teacher training.Entities:
Year: 2012 PMID: 28729974 PMCID: PMC5442567 DOI: 10.4102/ajod.v1i1.13
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Afr J Disabil ISSN: 2223-9170
Universal Design for Learning Barriers and Solutions.
| Groups | Principles | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Principle 1: Means of representation | Principle 2: Means of action and expression | Principle 3: Multiple means of engagement | ||||
| Barriers | Solutions | Barriers | Solutions | Barriers | Solutions | |
| Group 1 |
None |
FM System (sound field) with portable microphones Using diagrams via Powerpoint Multiple media Songs Movement ‘Doing’ Manipulation Use visuals in reading and visual formats (Powerpoint for visuals) |
Oral presentation |
Use Group discussion Enhance visuals Use a written exercise format Drawing Diagrams Flowcharts Use a written exercise format Use of colour and symbols Acting Presenting orally Experiential work (e.g. during reading) For those needing kinesthetic relievers, i.e. stress balls, pipe cleaners, rubber bands |
None |
Pairs for discussions Study buddy Group handling (holding spoon) Group (key points written down) Flipchart to record what people are saying Choose right learners for groups (creative groupings) Breaking up activity into smaller activity steps (task analysis) Use interests Goal focus Self-monitoring with reminder cards (visual cues) |
| Group 2 |
Standard approaches to reading & writing |
Sight reading Story-telling: using pictures; on the TV |
Stigma of Disability |
Work on students’ strengths Teaching social and coping skills (e.g. Role playing; modelling; drama) |
Parent expectation |
Parent Interventions Support |
| Group 3 |
Attention Task completion Task instruction Motor output |
Use a multi-sensory approach Reduce amount required in a task per ‘seating’ Consider positioning in class Consider preparation for reception (e.g. Vestibular) Use pictures Use body language |
Lack of language (no receptive understanding of verbal and written) Mild intellectual and cognitive disability |
Kinesthetic expression Role Play Orals Adapted technology or equipment Alternate methods of recording Eye gaze Drawing Sign Language Tactile (e.g. building, modelling) |
Socio-economic (poverty, children hungry, etc.) |
Shorter periods Tactile activity Give child or learner a role to play Be concrete Structuring outcomes to be more achievable Pictures Tactile (e.g. play-dough) Concrete objects (e.g. toys, action figures, etc.) |
Source: Dalton, E.M., Instructor workshop on UDL for Disability Studies Program, University of Cape Town, South Africa, on 19 July 2011.
|
Cooking Practical tasks Role playing Drama Worksheets Text books Constructions Models Recycled materials Group work Pictures Magazines Wall charts |
Takes time to learn Technology can break down and does not always work. Social acceptability Flexibility Costs versus Creativity Documentary or Drama through video recording Use computers More interactive activities Photography |
|
Stress balls Pipe cleaners Play dough Pictures from magazines and newspapers Creative grouping Posted reminders |
Board maker grid Adapted technology |
|
Paper Blackboard Flow charts Positioning Auditory supports |
Computer access Magnifying glass Dictaphone |
|
Writing in large print Photocopy enlargement Colour overlays Manual text blocker (card, Acting out and Drama Bottle tops (mathematics) Magazine picture |
Text enlargement Reading software Video Smartboards |
|
Oral Written Drama, Role play Painting, Art, Poster, Craft Squeezing, Pointing (to make choices) |
Speech-to-writing software Switches |
|
Egg timer Handmade self-correction activity (e.g. Chart) |
‘Maties’ marker timer (counts down the time left) PC program that chimes |
Source: Dalton, E.M., Instructor Workshop on UDL for Disability Studies Program, University of Cape Town, South Africa, on 19 July 2011. ADHD, attention-deficit or hyperactivity disorder; AAC, Augmentative and Alternative Communication; UDL, Universal Design for Learning.