Design options for perception
Representation guideline
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Why this matters
Why this matters
Learners vary in how they perceive and process information.
Learning is interrupted when learners cannot perceive, access or make sense of information due to its design.
Preparing adjustable information that represents a diversity of perspectives is integral to supporting access (CAST, 2024).
Design options for perception prompts us to consider learner variability at the outset and offer options to:
This guidelines also reminds us to consider:
- How will these options support learners in reaching their goals?
- Could any of these options create barriers or unnecessary challenges?
- Will all learners have fair and equal access to high-quality choices?
- How do these options reflect and respond to learner variability?
Source: Design options for perception: UDL Guidelines 3.0 | CAST (2024) (opens in a new tab/window)
Support opportunities to customise the display of information
Support opportunities to customise the display of information
Check accessibility of resources with learners prior to the activity (CAST, 2024).
Text version of content (PDF).
Support multiple ways to perceive information
Support multiple ways to perceive information
Learners vary in how they become aware of information using their senses (perception) (CAST, 2024).
Represent a diversity of perspectives and identities in authentic ways
Represent a diversity of perspectives and identities in authentic ways
When learners can identify with perspectives, identities and cultures portrayed in learning materials, it can foster a sense of belonging and support engagement.
Exposure to unfamiliar perspectives can build trust and support collaboration (CAST, 2024).
- Ensure Māori and Pacific authors, voices and mana-sustaining stories are prioritised in materials and resources.
- Include a range of authors with intersecting identities, including (but not limited to) gender, race, different abilities, nationality, and socio-economic background.
- Include images that represent learner diversity.
- Recognise the range of people, cultures, and histories that contribute to current understanding.
- Attend to how people and cultures are being portrayed.
- Challenge stereotypical or harmful portrayals of people and cultures.
- Seek authentic, complex portrayals of people, cultures, histories, and worldviews.
- Facilitate listening to diverse perspectives.
Useful resources
Useful resources
Design options for perception (UDL Guideline)
These UDL guidelines help educators prepare information that can be adjusted so that it is accessible to all learners (through sight, hearing, touch) and represents a diversity of perspectives.
This guideline supports the UDL Representation principle.
Publisher: CAST (2024)
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Design multiple means of Representation”:
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How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Universal Design for Learning
Understand:
- Why UDL is valuable
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Find out about UDLShow suggestions for Find out about UDL
Strategies for action:
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Provide multiple means of EngagementShow suggestions for Provide multiple means of Engagement
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Provide multiple means of RepresentationShow suggestions for Provide multiple means of Representation
- Design options for perception
- Design options for language and symbols
- Design options for building knowledge
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Provide multiple means of Action and ExpressionShow suggestions for Provide multiple means of Action and Expression
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How to plan using UDLShow suggestions for How to plan using UDL
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Design considerations in primary settingsShow suggestions for Design considerations in primary settings
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Design considerations in secondary settingsShow suggestions for Design considerations in secondary settings
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Design considerations in NCEA assessmentsShow suggestions for Design considerations in NCEA assessments
