The recognition network and making sense of information
Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Provide multiple means of Representation’
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Understand the recognition network
Understand the recognition network
An introduction to how we perceive and make sense of information in different ways.
Implications of variability
Implications of variability
No single medium works for every learner, nor does it for every subject....To promote understanding of information, concepts, relationships, and ideas, it is critical to provide multiple ways for learners to approach them.
David Rose
Guidelines to help us plan for variability
Guidelines to help us plan for variability
From the neuroscience, we know that variability across the recognition networks is predictable.
The three representation guidelines help us ensure all learners are able to access information and build new understandings.
Guidelines | Purpose |
Provide options for perception | Interact with flexible content that doesn't depend on a single sense like sight, hearing, movement, or touch |
Provide options for language and symbols | Communicate through languages that create a shared understanding |
Provide options for comprehension | Construct meaning and generate new understandings |
Potential barriers
Potential barriers
The presentation of information can impact access, participation, and engagement.
Potential barriers for students could be:
- decoding text
- information presented in one format
- materials that are unable to be adjusted, personalised, or customised for learner preference
- unfamiliar vocabulary
- text not in first language
- unfamiliar or complicated language
- unfamiliar symbols and new concepts
- little background knowledge to build upon
- materials are only available online
- low vision
- physically accessing materials, for example, turning pages, navigating digital content
- delivery method – for example whole class, small group.
Summary
Summary
Present information and materials in different ways to ensure all students’ recognition networks are activated.
Ask students what helps. Refine as needed.
Useful resources
Useful resources
Providing Multiple Means for Representation
Providing Multiple Means for Representation
Publisher: Novak Education
Multiple means of representation – Professional development resource
An online resource from CAST introducing the UDL principle of Representation.
Publisher: CAST
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 “Provide multiple means of Representation”:
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Current page The recognition network and making sense of information
Return to the guide “Universal Design for Learning”
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
- The recognition network and making sense of information
- Provide options for perception
- Provide options for language and symbols
- Provide options for comprehension
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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