Universal Design for Learning: Practical Implications for Christian Educators

The Universal Design for Learning framework, designed by David Rose and Anne Meyer (2002) is an evidence-based approach to teaching that proactively targets learner variability and meets the unique needs of all students in the classroom. This framework aligns with our faith-based mission as we are called to the Christ centered belief that all people were made in the image of God. The three guiding principles of Universal Design for Learning are: multiple means of representation, multiple means of engagement, and multiple means of action/expression. By adopting the principles of universal design for learning, educators can proactively plan, implement, and assess in a manner that honors the unique needs of the image bearers in their classroom. This means that we, as Christian teachers, recognize the diverse strengths, preferences, abilities, and challenges of every student. Now more than ever, our students bring with them a vast range of experiences, abilities, talents, and interests. As followers of Christ, we must honor the specialness of our students and value all of our learners in meaningful ways. In this paper, the authors will provide practical implications for Christian educators to implement UDL to meet the diverse needs of the students they encounter and serve.