UDL uses the same principles used in Universal Design
in Architecture - just like curb cuts and automatic door
openers make a building more accessible, the
application of tools and technologies in a classroom can
make learning much more accessible to every student,
not just those with disabilities.
The “MYTH OF THE AVERAGE LEARNER ” is a
misconception causing educators to design instruction
that is only effective for a small percentage of students.
A student with a learning pattern outside this "average"
range is effectively “disabled” from learning. In fact, the
design of curricula can actually create a disability or
remove one. A curriculum should take into account that
students differ in abilities, interests, and learning
processes and meet those needs.
Brain Rule #4:
Stressed brains don’t
learn the same way.
When you find
these happening
simultaneously,
you have the type
of stress easily
measurable in a
laboratory setting:
a measurable
physiological response
a desire to avoid
the situation
a loss of control
Stress affects both our
bodies and our brains, in
both good and bad
ways.
Cardiovascular
System
Too much
adrenaline
produces scarring
on the insides of
blood vessels.
These scars
become magnets
for plaque which.
can block the
blood vessels
leading to heart
attack
Acute stress with
concomitant adrenaline
can boost cardiovascular
performance
Memory and
Problem
Solving
If stress is not too
severe, one can
solve problems
more effectively
and is more likely to
retain information.
Severe or prolonged stress
harms the ability to learn in
almost every way that has been
tested: math, language
processing, long-term and
short-term memory and
concentration.
The success of an education can
be fully dependent upon feelings
of the learner.
Immune
System
Stress
response
boosts
your
white
blood
cells
Chronic stress
decreases
white-blood-cell
counts soldiers,
makes them less
effective, or even
kills them
outright.