Several Interdisciplinary Applications to UDL

Abstract

Universal Design in Learning (UDL) is a relatively new pedagogic approach which is especially successful in facilitating learning by students with learning disabilities. This paper explores application of several other disciplines to UDL, examining the potential to increase usage and success of UDL achievements. The paper is exploratory, reflective, and theoretical rather than explicitly empirical. The paper specifically examines four other disciplines: i) Since UDL is rooted in United States congressional laws, the paper shows UDL could benefit from UDL-like learning experiments in other countries. ii) The paper shows commonalities between UDL and the traditional pedagogic hierarchies with emphasis on transferring and applying the rich literature on executive function and goal setting in the business world to education. iii) The Van-Hiele theory is brought to suggest that personality types and some mental abilities may not be permanent, but changeable. iv) The paper advocates application of the Holland vocational psychology theory which emphasizes (vocational) preferences vs. permanent personality characteristics and abilities.

Keywords

• executive function
• holistic approach
• personality types
• vocational
• analytic approach
• udl
• universal design in learning
• pedagogic hierarchies
• holland types
• goal setting