UDL Principle 3: Multiple Means of Action and Expression
The previous two months' teaching tips from CITL’s Universal Design for Learning (UDL) team focused on the first two principles of UDL: Providing Multiple Means of Engagement and Providing Multiple Means of Representation. This month’s tip rounds out our overview of the UDL framework by looking at its third pillar: Providing Multiple Means of Action and Expression.
The principle of Providing Multiple Means of Action and Expression recognizes that students vary in the ways they learn and demonstrate their understanding. Addressing this principle from a design perspective involves creating more inclusive learning opportunities by giving learners multiple ways of constructing knowledge and expressing what they learn.
3 Ways of Providing Multiple Means of Action and Expression
- Multimodal Content: Provide a multisensory learning experience by combining different types of content. This might include text, video, podcasts, graphics, as well as opportunities for engagement like interactive simulations and timelines, embedded self-check questions, and practice options with feedback. This multimodal approach appeals to diverse learning preferences and helps reinforce key concepts through repetition in a variety of formats.
- Universally Designed Assessments: Offer students choices in selecting topics and approaches for assignments or projects based on personal interest or relevance. This approach helps support individualized learning, foster creativity, and accommodate a broader range of skill sets.
- Flexible Assignment Formats: Provided similar learning outcomes are achieved, assignments can offer learners more than one way to demonstrate their knowledge, such as written essays, oral presentations, video presentations, infographics, or interactive projects. Giving students more than one way of fulfilling the assignment supports diverse learning styles and allows students to showcase their understanding in ways that align with their strengths.
As with last month’s examples, the strategies provided are by no means exhaustive. Tune in next month when we look at UDL strategies for reducing threats and barriers to learning!
Selected Resources:
Contact Information
If you’re looking to enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of your course design, CITL's Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Team is here to help! You can reach us at CITL-UDLTeam@illinois.edu.