Degree Name
MA in Intercultural Service, Leadership, and Management
First Advisor
Ryland White
Abstract
This capstone focuses on the implementation of Universal Design for Learning within The Discovery Center—a non-profit organization that provides educational programs for children in Connecticut. The intention of this capstone project is to raise awareness and share introductory knowledge around Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Universal Design for Learning is a framework that relays clear information for educators and people, in general, to mirror into their curricula to increase learning for multiple individuals (Rose, 2009). This paper proposes the adaptation of UDL into The Discovery Center (TDC) curriculum to increase access to students with different learning styles and abilities. TDC uses the inquiry-based learning in their curriculum and will be assessed throughout this paper to show its connections with the Universal Design for Learning framework. Inquiry-based learning helps shape leaders of tomorrow in thinking critically, questioning ideologies and embracing their own ideas ("Inquiry-Based Learning: Developing Student-Driven Questions," 2015). Therefore, this paper will aim to show the symbiosis between inquiry-based learning and the Universal Design for Learning Principles: multiple means of representation, multiple means of action and expression, and multiple means of engagement. The goal is to create a workshop for the teachers and facilitators at TDC to train them on UDL Principles. This paper can also be examined and readjusted to fit any organization that strives to become knowledgeable in the Principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and looks for opportunities to increase program access.
Disciplines
Arts and Humanities | Education
Recommended Citation
Albert, Rose, "The Principles of Universal Design for Learning implemented in a non-profit organization: The Discovery Center." (2017). Capstone Collection. 2978.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/capstones/2978