Self Reflection Tools

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) helps educators improve outcomes for all learners by acknowledging the mana of all students, reducing barriers to learning and increasing engagement.

The University of Waikato is developing tools and resources that support inclusion for all our students, according to the UNESCO concept of inclusion as ‘presence, participation and achievement’, and our university’s core value, Ko Te Tangata.

The UDL framework enables teachers to anticipate, reduce or eliminate barriers to learning by making the curriculum flexible, ensuring it is designed to account for student diversity without lowering expectations.

UDL has three principles: 1) multiple means of representation, 2) multiple means of expression and action, and 3) multiple means of engagement. These principles provide all individuals with increased opportunities to learn.

(Bird images © Daniel Nodder)

  • The University of Waikato UDL Self-reflection tool  is modelled on: alludl.ca/udl-self-evaluation It is published under Creative Commons (CC) as required by the original piece of work. CC license aligns with UDL concepts.
  • The tool is available:
    • as a downloadable Pdf
    • as a Google form in  three parts
      • Part 1 – Students have various ways of learning. (UDL: ‘Multiple Means of Representation’)
      • Part 2 – Students have various ways to demonstrate learning. (‘Multiple Means of Expression’)
      • Part 3 – Students are diverse and all have different reasons for learning. ( Multiple Means of Engagement)
    • as a single Google form

Your answers are confidential. You may prefer to make notes rather than answering some or all questions. Each question and section includes space to reflect on your next steps, for example: things to try; CeTTL, appointment or request resources; current/previous experience, good and bad; request feedback from students or colleagues. This is a tool for reflecting on your teaching. You will probably find that you are already applying UDL principles in many areas.

We recommend that you reflect on a specific paper: One useful general question is: where do I tend to make one-off changes for individual learners that could be offered to everyone from the start?

Non-U.o.W self-reflection tools

1. CAST Educator Worksheet

Based on the UDL guidelines, provides practical suggestions.