Identify potential barriers to learning and wellbeing
Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘How to plan using UDL’
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Identify barriers to learning and wellbeing
Identify barriers to learning and wellbeing
Walking in the shoes of our learners and considering their predictable variability can help us surface potential barriers.
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Consider potential barriers
Consider potential barriers
Potential barriers to learning can be hidden in the choices we make in these five areas.
Barriers are often created when we offer single approaches that don't allow flexibility.
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Examples of barriers
Examples of barriers
Knowledge of learner |
Design choice |
Potential barrier |
| Low vision | Paperback book | Text cannot be enlarged |
| Decodes text slowly | 15 minute time frame for multiple choice test | Insufficient time to complete test |
| Prefers not to speak in front of the class | Class debate | Does not attend class |
| Uses a wheelchair | Class presentation on the school stage | Steep flight of steps onto the stage |
| Takes time to compose thoughts | Fast, whole class online quiz | Unable to make decisions quickly enough to participate |
Reflection questions
Reflection questions
Take a moment to reflect on this idea of hidden barriers.
- In what ways do you intentionally identify potential barriers within learning experiences?
- How can you proactively plan to minimise barriers?
- Discuss ways to engage learners and whānau in conversations, identifying barriers to learning, participation and wellbeing.
Useful resources
Useful resources
How to break down barriers to learning with UDL
How to break down barriers to learning with UDL
Publisher: Understood
Do’s and don’ts on designing for accessibility
Read time: 34 min
A set of six posters with general guidelines for designing accessible web content. These posters are also useful considerations for general classroom planning and content design.
Publisher: United Kingdom Government
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “How to plan using UDL”:
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Current page Identify potential barriers
Return to the guide “Universal Design for Learning”
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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
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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
Social and emotional barriers
Social and emotional barriers
We also need to consider potential social and emotional barriers to learning.
Ask yourself the following questions: