Title: Integrating universal design for learning as a pedagogical framework to teach and support all learners in science concepts

Authors: Ali Gohar Qazi; Yasir Mustafa; Shazia Ali

Addresses: The Aga Khan University, Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED), 1-5/B-VII, F.B. Area, Karimabad, P.O. Box 13688, Karachi, 75950, Pakistan ' Department of Innovative Learning, Association for Academic Quality (AFAQ), 18-A, Johar Town, Lahore, Pakistan ' Democratic Commission for Human Development, 40 Block-D Model Town Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract: This paper addresses one-size-fits-all curricula issue by integrating universal design for learning (UDL) as an innovative pedagogical approach for creating learning spaces for all students in the classroom - regardless of their ability and facilitates instructional adaptations that bring students together as a community of common learners. In this study, digital technologies were incorporated to support three UDL principles (multiple means of representation, action and expression, and engagement). The quantitative results of this research study revealed that students of Grade 3 exhibited physical engagement after receiving the UDL-infused instructions, but this gain was not significant in comparison to those who received the conventional instructions. Moreover, the gains were not significant in terms of emotional and cognitive engagement. Whereas, the qualitative themes that emerged in this study, under classroom environment and three factors of engagement - cognitive, emotional and physical, indicate that UDL provides teachers with a useful model for creating an enabling environment for all students to learn and engage.

Keywords: universal design for learning; UDL; pedagogy; science; engagement; innovative technologies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIIE.2018.097854

International Journal of Innovation in Education, 2018 Vol.5 No.2, pp.127 - 141

Received: 06 Oct 2017
Accepted: 26 Jul 2018
Published online: 19 Feb 2019 *

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