Universal design for learning as a teaching method in order to meet the need for diversity in universities

Abstract

This paper looks at how diversity is dealt with in university from a teacher training perspective. On the one hand, it is a legal obligation of universities to ensure equal opportunities for all students. On the other hand, it is argued that teacher training in paradigms and frameworks created to deal with diversity are also a way of improving. In this context, a universal design for learning paradigm will be presented, describing some research outcomes on its application. The article also reviews the results of an investigation into the demands by students with disability for adaptations to the curriculum, and their relationship with the universal design for learning principles. These results suggest that curriculum design following the principles of universal design for learning could minimize the demands for curriculum adaptations, even for students groups that experience more difficulties. Lastly, some experiences of teacher training with the universal design for learning will be reviewed, as well as the specific experience in implementing a plan for university teacher training. With all this, the intention is to bring new ways to meet the challenge in the design of inclusive curricula for ALL students to the university community.