This systematic review explored methods of UDL implementation for postsecondary students with and without disabilities and the degree to which these methods are effective. The authors examined 17 empirically based studies published across 12 journals focused on the application of UDL principles. The studies were analyzed with regard to 1) participant information, 2) courses and delivery mode, 3) independent and dependent variables, 4) implementation strategies, and 5) effectiveness of implementation. The analysis revealed that 15 of the studies reported effective outcomes, one study resulted in blended effects, and one did not discuss implementation. Two studies used a blended delivery mode for special education courses, and four studies used online delivery modes for a teacher education course and three professional development programs. Other studies used face-to-face instruction for teacher education, general courses, and workshops. The most common independent variables were UDL principle-based course design and implementation, followed by hands-on activities, training of instructors, peer-led team learning, and a collaborative professional development model. The dependent variables included course evaluation, learning outcomes, such as revision of lesson plans and technology use, and level of confidence or acquisition of knowledge about UDL and disabilities. Finally, multiple instructional strategies focusing on the UDL principles were utilized, to include web-based computer-mediated communication, web-based class management systems, interactions with technology and other participants, and learning community. Overall, the findings revealed promising learning outcomes as supported by the existing literature regarding the effectiveness and practicality of UDL for students with and without disabilities at the postsecondary level.
According to the Institute of Education Sciences [
Students with disabilities at the postsecondary level need programs that adapt to their special needs [
One of the more promising strategies in this regard is use of the principles of universal design for learning (UDL), which is intended to help all learners succeed [
Regarding UDL, its principles include multiple representations, multiple expressions, and engagement [
Regrettably, empirical examination of UDL implementation and strategies in postsecondary education is lacking, even though numerous studies have been published on the principles, history, and philosophy of UDL [
This systematic review explored methods of UDL implementation for postsecondary students with and without disabilities and the degree to which these methods are effective. The aim was framed by the following questions:
Question 1: What are the delivery modes of the courses utilized or UDL implementation?
Delivery modes were explored as one of the built-in mechanisms of UDL practices because UDL is believed to enhance accessibility to curriculum. At the same time, delivery mode has not been explored as a built-in mechanism in existing research.
Question 2: What are the independent and dependent variables?
All studies were empirically based. Each study had independent and dependent variables. The outcomes of each study resulted from the implementation of the independent variable as interventions or experiments. The dependent variable was investigated from the intervention. Thus, the independent and dependent variables were explored.
Question 3: What are the strategies used, and are they effective?
Given the fact all studies were empirically based, the UDL implementation was used for educational settings. To enhance the efficacy of the independent variables, specific strategies were used in the intervention as the element of UDL. Thus, specific strategies used in the UDL implementation for post-secondary educational settings were explored.
The authors systematically and independently searched three databases: Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), PsycINFO, and Professional Developmental Center. The searches were limited to peer-reviewed, empirically based studies published in English. The terms universal design for learning, universal design for instruction, and postsecondary education were used as the descriptors. A total of 102 studies were identified that met these search criteria.
Each of the 102 studies were independently reviewed for inclusion based on the following criteria: the study had to 1) be empirically based; 2) contain the terms universal design and/or UD, universal design for learning and/or UDL, and/or universal design for instruction and/or UDI in the title or abstract; 3) have identified the participants; and 4) either implement UDL practices or conduct a survey or interview on UDL intended to enhance knowledge about or implementation of UDL practices for diverse, postsecondary-level learning populations.
Of the 102 studies examined, the authors independently identified 16 studies, among which 14 were common among the authors. This amounted to an 88% agreement rate on the inclusion criteria use. Some of the 16 studies had been published in the same journals. That is, some of the journals had published two or more of the 16 studies. Upon reviewing these journals, the authors identified two additional studies that met the aforementioned inclusion criteria. The result, therefore, was a total of 18 studies.
The authors together scrutinized the 18 studies in a second review using the same inclusion criteria. This ended in an agreed-upon removal of three studies. Two additional studies were also reviewed because they had been cited by two or more of the remaining studies and met the inclusion criteria. In sum, the removal of the three studies coupled with the addition of the two studies resulted in a final count of 17 studies for review.
Information was next extracted from the 17 studies in three passes. In the first pass, the studies were summarized for 1) participant information, 2) courses and delivery mode, 3) independent and dependent variables, 4) implementation outcomes, and 5) elements of UDL in the implementation. In the second pass, implementations were further fleshed out, summarizing 6) research methods, 7) implementation strategies, 8) technology implementation, and 9) class activities related to the UDL principles. Finally, in the last pass, the effectiveness of the implementations was assessed. That is, the findings were classified as effective, for studies in which the course or instruction for the workshop was designed, implemented, and had higher course evaluation and significant improvement; or blended, if the outcome was not better than or the same as that of the control group, but still showed improvement in the learning assessment.
Inter-coder agreement was assessed on the extracted information using a checklist developed by the authors. The checklist comprised the following six questions: Is the statement about the―1) participant information, 2) courses and delivery mode, 3) independent and dependent variables, 4) implementation outcomes, 5) elements of UDL in the implementation, and 6) assessment of the effectiveness of the implementation―clear and precise?
A total of 102 items (17 studies by 6 checklist items) were assessed. The authors reached an initial agreement rate of 95% on 97 of the 102 items regarding their belief that the extracted information from the 17 studies was clear and precise, deliberating on the remaining four items until reaching consensus.
As shown in the table, six studies used mixed methods (see [
The 17 studies incorporated interviews, surveys, interventions, or control/experimental group experiments. Across the studies, a total of 4879 participants were found, including 3185 (65%) students at postsecondary institutions, 1605 (32.9%) faculty members, 16 (0.33%) disability service providers, 35 (0.72%) administrators, 21 (0.43%) teachers, 5 (0.1%) instructors or teaching assistants, and 12 (0.25%) individuals not specified (as teachers or faculty). Of the 3185 students, 57 (1.79%) were preservice teachers, 136 students (4.3%) had disabilities, including LD, ADHD, cognitive disability (CD), physical disability (PD), and mobility-related disability (MRD). Six students (4.4% of the 136 participants with disabilities) were reported to have a dual diagnosis. No further information
Study | Participants: - # of SDs:SwoDs (Students w/o disabilities) - Courses - Delivery Modes | Independent Variables, Dependent Variables | Findings, Effectiveness of the Implementation | Elements |
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[ | - 78 students (0:78) - Two special education classes at two postsecondary institutions - Blended with online and traditional class elements | Independent variables: Design/implementation of instruction using UDL principles to facilitate computer-mediated communication (CMC), in which multiple elements of online learning and instructional collaboration were infused between two teacher preparation courses at two higher education institutions. Dependent variables (Data collection: Mixed method): - Ways students used CMC tools: Analysis of chat log (# of login, frequency of chats, length of chats, and discussion boards); theme analysis using data coding patterns. - Course evaluation: Students’ ratings of the collaborative UDL-based course. | - Significant success in students’ class interaction and participation. - Elements of UDL principles enhanced students’ participation in discussion. - Increased variation of types of students’ communication (e.g., chat, discussion board, asynchronous/synchronous). - Increased course ratings from the previous semesters without the implementations. - Themes of chatting corresponded to existing literature: Philosophy of teaching, behavior, technology, and methods of teaching. - Themes of chatting were emergent from this research: Socioeconomic status, race and culture, beliefs or philosophy of individuals with disabilities, legal requirements, and other. - Categorized as effective. | - Multiple means of representation: Implementation of F2F meetings, video, text, and audio for students at two universities; provision of discussion and highlighted essential elements; use of various formats of media. - Multiple means of expression: Students’ choice of study topic, students’ expression of their knowledge of a topic during online presentations; various ways of access to the course materials. - Multiple means of engagement: Groups’ choices of learning goals and schedules for work and presentations; provision of focused goals allowing multiple layers of engagement; provision of asynchronous and/or synchronous discussion boards. |
[ | - 369:271 faculty for survey: 63 faculty and 35 administrators for web-based, on-demand curricular (Faculty and Administrator Muddles in Higher Education (FAME) - Web-based | Independent variables: Implementation of web-based FAME: Web-based curricular FAME made up of five instructional modules, including accommodation, UDL, web accessibility, college writing, and climate assessment; FAME was to enhance faculty members’ understanding of effective instructional practices. Dependent variables (Data collection: Mixed method: Surveys): - Faculty’s preferred training subject and modes of delivery. - Perceptions of training SD. - Teaching methodologies that the faculty used. - Professional development needs. - Evaluation on the effectiveness of web-based on-demand curricula (called FAME). | - Preferred subjects listed in order from most to least preference: UDL, web accessibility, distance education, adaptive technology, computer lab accessibility, and accommodations. - Preferred training modes listed in order from most to least preference: On demand, web-based, two- or three-hour workshop, one-hour or daylong workshop, handouts, training or resources available anywhere and anytime. - Instructional method in order from most to least use: Lecture, class discussion, critical thinking, or problem solving. - Faculty’s evaluation of FAME: An average of 94% of faculty agreement on the appropriateness of contents and information on professional development and the needs of SDs. - 92% agreement on the enhanced comfort as a result of FAME implementation. - Categorized as effective. | - Multiple means of representation: Representing concepts with multimedia; participants’ ideas shared using video clips that were captioned and included transcripts used for strategic engagement. - Multiple means of expression: Applied case scenarios with feedback, pre- and post-assessment and practice. - Multiple means of engagement: Videos of participants’ testimonials, including both faculty and students. |
[ | - 50 (2:48) undergraduates - Health science - F2F | Independent variables: Implementation of the course using UDL principles. Dependent variables (Data collection: Mixed method: Course evaluation and interview): - Course evaluation: Course materials the students accessed and the degree of helpfulness; students’ perceived impact of course components on learning. - Interviews: Flexibility, social presence, stress, success. | - Overall benefits from the course for students. - Reduction in design accommodation for SDs manually performed by university office of disabilities. - 97% of participants reported the following to be helpful: Access to text descriptions of images in PowerPoint, detailed topic outline, and lists of key concepts in study guideline. - Course components that more than 90% of participants perceived to be very impactful on their learning: Choice of completing elective activities or taking a final exam, individual or group assignment types and paper due dates; posting instructional materials before class; consistent format of instructional material organization on WebCT pages. - High flexibility of resources. - Critical factors of social presence: Instructor’s availability outside of class session and his/her immediacy. - Shared information using discussion board. - Stress reduction: Course design and organization, study guidelines, flexibility of deadlines. - Students’ success: The attributes of UDL design. - Categorized as effective. | - Multiple means of representation: WebCT, electronic course material, an online lecture for a topic, video tutorial, subtitles, PowerPoint slides, hands-on demonstrations, display of videos, rubrics, and examples of two formats of presentations. - Multiple means of expression: Students’ choices with regard to due dates of assignments, individual or group assessments, presentation format and date; multiple-question style on tests; various types of assignments. - Multiple means of engagement: Instructor’s welcome email to complete a student profile before class; multiple types of discussions in class by email and discussion forums. |
[ | - 26 preservice teachers and inservice teachers (16:10) - Online degree certificate program for teachers - F2F instruction for preservice teachers emphasizing assistive technology application | Independent variables: An assignment activity for class after introduction to UDL: Review and revision of a previously used lesson plan with UDL applications and a focus on special learning needs. Dependent variables (Data collection: Mixed method): - Changes in revised lesson plans were quantified and categorized. - Revisions should include students’ special needs in their learning and UDL instructional strategies using the three UDL principles. - Participants’ reflections on their assignment were coded using a code book. | - Significant revisions using UDL approaches made by both pre- and inservice teachers; preservice teachers made more revisions using UDL principles than practicing teachers. - Preservice teachers made more revisions in multiple means of expression than in systematic engagement. - Analysis of participants’ reflection: Perception of UDL was a transformative practice that served as an effective model for inclusion for all students. - Categorized as effective. | |
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[ | - 114 students - F2F special education class with eLearning elements lasting for 1 hour 40 minutes per week - Blended | Independent variables: Implementing a web-enabled F2F class focusing on online team collaboration (online teams of nine each) to complete eight assignments during the semester; a different case of a student with special academic needs (e.g., LD, ADHD, and gifted) was assigned to each team. The design of the course using adult learning tenets and UDI principles: Course management system (CMS) used to combine eLearning elements with those of traditional class sessions. Dependent variables (Data collection: Mixed method): - Observation and analysis of participation. - Online interactions: Discussion, products, and feedback. - Course evaluations. | - Increased interaction: The blended course design enhanced students’ engagement in meaningful learning. - Enhanced learning autonomy and self-directed learning: Choices of what to study, how to engage, and when to engage. - Increased critical reflection skills through the learning community activities and skills of positive collaboration. -The score of course evaluation was 9.2 out of 10 points (10 indicating outstanding). - Categorized as effective. | - Equitable use: Enhanced and easy access by all students with multiple learning abilities (e.g., lecture notes, links to Internet resources, peer discussion thread). - Tolerance of error: CMS used; students studied at their own pace. - Minimizing physical efforts: Online and in-person availability of the course on an “anytime, anyplace basis.” - Perceptible information: The design of CMS to easily access the instructional materials (e.g., all germane information located in a place). - Community of learners: Course made use of team interactions and communications between students and between students and professors. - Simple and intuitive: Design of the blended course resulted in effective interactions. |
[ | - 53 faculty: 43: First phase; 10: Second phase - Online disability awareness program during the 2014-2015 academic year | Independent variables: The online disability awareness program made up of three modules: Two or three hours to complete each module. Module 1 on disability laws, related services and accommodations, and disability. Module 2 on UDL principles and models of UDL strategies and instructional activities. Module 3 on ways to develop easy-to-approach teaching materials (e.g., syllabi, presentations, and documents). Dependent variables (Data collection: Mixed method): Quantitative measures: - Faculty attitudes toward SDs using Interaction With Disabled Persons Scale. - Pre- and post-surveys on faculty knowledge about disability laws, disability characteristics, accommodation policies, UDI, and accessibility of electronic materials, as discussed in the online disability awareness program. - Qualitative analysis: Thematic analysis method. | - Improvement of faculty attitudes toward SDs: A statistically significant difference between before and after completion of program (Pretest: M = 3.06, SD = 0.54; Posttest: M = 2.82, SD = 0.47); t(42) = 3.90, p < 0.01, d = 0.47; less discomfort in interactions with SDs; better understanding of SDs’ academic needs and thoughts/ideas. - Increase in knowledge about SDs and principles of UDL: Significant increase from the pretest (M = 22.51, SD = 7.48) to the posttest (M = 36.09, SD = 2.42); t(43) = −12.19, p < 0.01, d = 2.44. - Acquisition of new terms and concepts. - Faculty’s confidence and willingness to implement UDI principles in their instruction: More than 86% of participants rating themselves as confident about disability laws, legal definition of disability, UDI, faculty responsibilities, making adequate accommodations, creating accessible documents, types of campus services available, and finding additional support. - Categorized as effective. | - Text-, audio-, and video-based materials of the online program that allow faculty to access the program anywhere and anytime. - Multiple means of representation: Hands-on activities, discussion, computer-aided instruction, productivity software, online delivery system, (e.g., Blackboard). - Multiple means of expression: Productivity software, online delivery system, (e.g., Blackboard). - Multiple means of engagement: Discussion, productivity software, utilizing electronic media, online delivery system, (e.g., Blackboard). - Beside the implementation, to implement the effective workshop, Technology Needs Survey was conducted prior to the workshop to plan it. |
[ | - 413 undergraduate students - Introductory geology and geography - F2F | Independent variables: Captioned conditioning (Close-captioned TED Talk on climate change). Dependent variables (Data collection: A composite score from two―captioning or no-captioning―conditioned groups): Test booklets used to test remembrance of information: Short-answer, 12 fill-in-the-blank questions, and multiple choice. | - Support of close captioning to recall information. - Statistical significance between two groups (t(411) = 5.105; p = 0.000; d = 0.51; Captioning group: M = 18.49; SD = 3.37, n = 194; No-captioning group: M = 16.67; SD = 3.81, n = 219). - Exposure to video instruction and captioning: 7% (n = 29) with no exposure to a course-related video; 60% (n = 247) with occasional exposure to close captioning while course-related videos were incorporated; 30% (n = 126) with no exposure to close captioning while course-related videos were incorporated. - Categorized as effective. | - Multiple means of representation: Close-captioning video. |
[ | - 928 undergraduate students - A large undergraduate marketing management course during spring and fall - F2F | Independent variables: Implementation of a UDL environment. Dependent variables (Data collection: Quantitative method: Survey): - Effectiveness of UDL environment on the last day of class. - Students’ satisfaction. - Perceived effectiveness, use of various instructional tools, and perceived learning. - Actual learning: An average of student non-cumulative scores from three exams over the course. - Actual use of tools: Total number of uses of each instructional tool (clicker and MindTap) analyzed by online analytics. | - The perceived effectiveness of each tool with significant difference (p < 0.001) as shown in the order from most to least: Perceived lecture notes - (M = 4.5, SD = 0.89), PowerPoint (M = 4.4, SD = 0.84), clickers (M = 4.2, SD = 0.99), and MindTap (M = 3.9, SD = 1.22), indicating students’ preference for professors’ developed content over that of others; instructional tools available both in and outside the classroom (e.g., PowerPoint, MindTap, and lecture notes) perceived to be more effective than tools only accessible from class (e.g., clickers). - Actual use of MindTap added 0.36 points to test scores (β = 0.36, p < 0.001), meanwhile the use of clickers was not significant (β = −0.004, p = 0.95). - Perceived (self-reported) use and actual use of tools indicated a strong and positive correlation: Clickers (r = 0.22, p < 0.001) and MindTap (r = 0.10, p = 0.002). - Categorized as effective. | - Multiple means of representation: Lecture in class, PowerPoint presentations, printed and electronic textbooks, MindTap ReadSpeaker (audio). - Multiple means of expression: Lecture notes, clickers, MindTap flashcard, MindTap dictionary, MindTap notebook. - Multiple means of engagement: Before-lecture assignments, fill-in-the-blank exercises, quizzes, and after-lecture assignments. |
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[ | - 1195 faculty: 231 from a university in the U.S.; 315 from a university in Canada; 649 from 43 universities in Spain - F2F | Independent variables: In the U.S.: Intense 4-day workshop, e-newsletters, website resources; Topics of the workshop: Disability, legal means, accommodations, and alternative and inclusive strategies for instruction teaching and assessment. In Canada: Workshop on faculty attitudes toward SDs and instructional practices. In Spain: Unknown. Dependent variables (Data collection: Quantitative method): The Inclusive Teaching Strategies Inventory used. - Faculty attitudes. - Actions. - Measurement dimensions: Accommodations, accessible course materials, course modification, inclusive lecture strategies, inclusive classroom, inclusive assessment, and disability laws and concepts. | - Attitude: The components that U.S. faculty believed significant were the provision of accessible course materials, inclusive classroom, inclusive lecture strategies, inclusive assessment, and course mediation; the components that Canadian faculty believed significant were the provision of accommodations and knowing laws and concepts of disability. - Actions: Implementations by U.S. faculty: Inclusive assessment and course modifications in their teaching practices; Those by Canadian faculty: Integrated accommodations into their class; Those by Spanish faculty: Provision of accessible course materials and inclusive lecture strategies. - The ratings of dimension of inclusive classrooms were similar across the three countries. - Categorized as effective. | - |
[ | - 1367 students and instructors; 5 instructors; 1362 (106 [8%]: 1256): pre-survey (during the 3rd week of the semester); 1,223 (98 [8%]: 1125): post-survey (during the last two weeks of the semester) - Large “gateway” introduction to psychology - F2F | - Independent variables: UDL training for the five instructors once a week for a semester: F2F training and provision of electronic tutorials of universally designed electronic materials. Dependent variables (Data collection: Quantitative method: Survey): - Effectiveness of UDL training as measured by students’ perceptions of instructors’ UDL implementation. - Pre- and post-surveys contained the same questions. | - The instructors reported significant improvement in UDL strategy implementation. - Areas with significant enhancement: Information presentation in multiple formats (t(2559) = 10.09, p < 0.0005, d = 0.40), provision of the electronic equivalents of traditional copies of information (t(2504) = 6.13, p < 0.0005, d = 0.24), online availability of required readings (t(2393) = 8.74, p < 0.0005, d = 0.36), clarity of instructional video (t(2520) = 9.62, p < 0.0005, d = 0.39), provision of prompt, constructive, and informative feedback (t(2515) = 8.14, p < 0.005, d = 0.33), and provision of visual supports for lecture and reading assignment (t(2556) = 5.14, p < 0.0005, d = 0.20). - Categorized as effective. | - Multiple means of representation: Instructors presented information using lecture, text, graphics, audio, and video. - Multiple means of expression: Students expressed their knowledge using traditional tests, written essays, projects, and portfolios. - Multiple means of engagement: Investigation of students’ motivation and challenges and instructors’ enthusiasm for the subject matter. |
[ | - 80 graduate students enrolled in an introductory research method course for four semesters (spring 2010:18, fall 2010:14, spring 2011:33, fall 2011:15) - Introduction to research method - F2F | Independent variables: Research method course was taught using UDL strategies with the modification of the traditional research method course (emphasizing instructor’s action based on students’ feedback). Dependent variables (Data collection: Quantitative method: Students’ paper-based survey): Student evaluation of learning and instruction at the end of the semester: Strategies used, instructional consistency with the principles of UDL, and students’ perceptions of the degree and ways of student engagement were surveyed. | - The instructors’ self-reported use of strategies is listed in the column of Elements of UDL Curriculum. - The strategies students most frequently used for UDL recognition learning network: Reading summarizing handouts (M = 2.87, SD = 0.43), listening to an in-class lecture (M = 2.84, SD = 0.43), reading lecture notes (M = 2.37, SD = 0.83), reading summarizing graphic organizer (M = 2.33, SD = 0.84). - The strategies students used least for UDL recognition learning network: Listening to text- to-speech software (M = 0.05, SD = 0.22), accessing online digital course materials (e.g., Blackboard, M = 0.61, SD = 1.04), and listening to recordings of course topics (M = 0.65, SD = 0.87). - The strategies students most frequently used for UDL strategic learning network: Hands-on activities (M = 2.81, SD = 0.42), word processor or other (M = 2.76, SD = 0.68), and spell checker to check written work (M = 2.67, SD = 0.70). The strategies students least used for UDL strategic learning network: Speech-to-text (M = 0.04, SD = 0.191, inclusion of hyperlinks in assignments (M = 1.1, SD = 1.13), and inclusion of images or video in assignment (M = 1.3, SD = 1.1). - The strategies students preferred: Feedback from the instructor (M = 2.65, SD = 0.51), choice of assignment topics (M = 2.35, SD = 0.73), and choice of assignment materials (M = 2.28, SD = 0.73). - Categorized as effective. | - Multiple means of representation (recognition learning): Provision of online learning management system, posted class notes, PowerPoint slides, links to files in different formats, and reading materials. - Multiple means of expression (strategic learning): Provision of timely feedback, hands-on sentence-completion activities, trading cards in front of which the researcher’s picture was displayed with facts about him/her on the back, students’ role-playing favorite researcher by sharing research with classmates, and poster session at the end of the semester. - Multiple means of engagement (affective learning): Administration of multiple-intelligences inventory to learn about students, small-group discussion, provision of choice of topics in assignments, students developing blogs to post their thoughts on class topics, and resources from YouTube. |
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[ | - 72 graduate and undergraduate students - Two special education and two general education classes - F2F | Intervention: One-hour in-class lecture to the experimental group on how to change lesson plans for students with mild and severe disabilities incorporating the ULD principles (experimental group design). Dependent variables (Data collection: Quantitative method): - Professor-developed scoring rubric with zero-to-two points used. - Pre/posttest scores on students’ modified lesson plans. | - Information needed about UDL approaches for the teachers to design lesson plans for diverse learners. - The effectiveness of UDL both for the special and general education teachers: Statistically significant scores on pre and posttests (F(1, 68) = 52.027, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.433; representation component, F(1, 68) = 31.416, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.316; expression component, F(1, 68) = 46.069, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.404; and engagement component, F(1, 68) = 6.830, p = 0.011, η2 = 0.091). - Significant improvement indicated by results of pre- and posttests of the experimental group between pre- (M = 0.98) and posttest (M = 3.34) compared to those of control group’s pre- (M = 0.77) and posttest (M = 0.077). - Categorized as effective. | Multiple means of expression: One-hour class lecture comprised of presentations on the UDL principles and implementations; elements unknown. |
[ | - 16 freshmen and sophomores with LD and ADHD - STEM courses; calculus and chemistry for two semesters - F2F | Independent variables: PLTL implementation; peer mentor training focusing on UDI strategies and learning characteristics of students with LD/ADHD. Dependent variables (Data collection: Quantitative method): - Course GPA. - Persistence: Enrollment in a STEM class for the next semester. - Scores from Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI). | - Persistence in STEM course. - Growth in using learning strategies measured by LASSI pre- and post-group tests: Significant improvement shown with 0.05% level in the group means of skill cluster (pretest; posttest = 42nd; 66th percentile with a probability value of 0.005), will cluster (pretest; posttest = 42nd; 63rd percentile with a probability value of 0.005) and self-regulation cluster (pretest; posttest = 29th; 56th percentile with a probability 0.001). For three clusters, single-tailed test was applied. - Lower academic performance of PLTL SDs than non-PLTL SDs in the STEM courses: PLTL SDs might be the most at-risk subgroup on campus. - Categorized as blended. | - In peer mentors’ training: Instructions on UDI principles and matching them with learning characteristics of students with LD and/or ADHD. - Multiple means of representation (from peer mentors): Written templates, such as paper-based charts, lists, or diagrams, video templates, and color codes from red to blue on the whiteboard. - Multiple means of engagement (in PLTL): Building the learning community with peers and mentors. |
[ | - 15 students (12:3): 11 undergraduate; 5 with LD/CD; 5 with PD; 6 with more than one disability (4 with MRD, 1 with PD, and 1 with LD) | Independent variables: Common phenomenon between SDs and SwoDs called a phenomenological approach. Dependent variables (Data collection: Structured interview using an interview protocol): - SDs’ perceptions of instructional methodologies and strategies to enhance their learning. - Matching SDs’ perception of UDL principles. | - Perceptions of instructional methodologies and strategies found to enhance learning: SDs addressed issue more than SwoDs; organization of physical environment (11 SDs vs. 2 SwoDs), equity (9 SDs vs. 1 SwoD), the degree of professors’ familiarity with disabilities (11 SDs), frustration with accommodations and policies (9 SDs), stigma associated with disabilities (7 SDs), and stress from dependency on others, need for extra time for study, and challenges with transportation. - Accommodation issues: Satisfaction from nine SDs; Students’ concerns: Inadequate time given for tests; faculty members’ lack of understanding SDs; lack of provision of built-in accommodations (e.g., human reader vs. built-in computer screen reader); functional mismatch between SDs’ needs and technology (e.g., voice recognition software for the students with communication impairment [CI]). - Learning preference: Varied between learners, but the flexible combination of learning preferences leading to the best learning outcomes. - The highest learning preferences by SDs, visually (n = 3), hands-on (n = 3), picture graphs, charts (n = 3), and practice or demonstration (n = 3). The least preferred methods were explanation with words (n = 2). - Matching SDs’ perception of UDL principles: Effective strategies based on the SDs’ perception: Class and small-group discussion, clarity of class expectations, dissemination of class outlines and instructional materials before class, frequent feedback before the final grades of the projects, writing center, general feedback, screen readers, use of computer, transition from class to class, tutoring, and counseling services. | - Equitable use: Access to the same instructional materials. - Flexibility of use: Class discussion or small-group discussion. - Simple and intuitive: Clarity of class expectations. - Perceptible information: Dissemination of class outlines ahead of time. - Tolerance for error: Frequent feedback before final grades of the projects. - Low physical effort: Use of screen reader. - Size and space for approach and use: Transitions between classes. - Community of learners: Tutors, counseling services, and class and small-group discussion. - Multiple means of representation: Equitable use, flexibility of use, perceptible information, tolerance for error. - Multiple means of expression: Flexibility of use, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical effort, instructional climate. - Multiple means of engagement: Flexibility of use, simple intuitive (clarification of class expectations), tolerance for error, low physical effort, size and space of approach and use, a community of learners, and instructional climate. |
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[ | - 16 disability service providers at postsecondary institutions; two focus groups of eight - F2F | Independent variables: - Keynote presentation addressing UDI principles, construct, and application for instruction for student with LD (SLD), and inclusion using UDI. - Focus group discussion. Dependent variables (Data collection: Qualitative method): - Responses to open-ended questionnaires of the protocol developed by UDI project team with foci on experiences with or teaching SLD/ADHD and analysis of discussion. - Perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of UDI as a strategy for faculty to increase inclusion in their teaching. - Perceptions of the participants’ responsibility for enhancing UDI on campus. - Perceptions on office for students with disabilities (OSD) supports to incorporate UDI as strategies of faculty development. - Focus group discussion audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed as data: Code book and multiple processes of interrater reliability were used. | - Benefits of UDI implementation: Increased instances of enrollment and graduation of students with different cultural backgrounds, adequate instructional approaches to all students, support for data-based teaching practices, and decrease in stigma related to disabilities. - Weakness of UDI implementation: Faculty resistance, training issues, technology requirements, lack of students’ self-advocacy, lack of instructional knowledge of service providers, and legal void of UDI implementation. - Perceptions of participants’ responsibility: Widely spreading knowledge about UDI to campus leadership, collecting data and supporting faculty who incorporate UDI in their teaching, and facilitating faculty members’ UDI implementation, different appreciation from a campus based on culture and disciplines. - Perceptions of OSD supports: Supports needed from campus leaders to incorporate UDI; provision of knowledge about UDI, including information about instructional technology and research on the efficacy of UDI. - Findings from the interviews: Data collection as a facilitator of UDI implementation; service providers’ expertise ― learning strategies vs. faculty members’ expertise ― the content areas. - Categorized as effective. | - |
[ | - 41 preservice teachers for 2 studies: study 1 (n = 36) study 2 (n = 5) - Action research and practicum in pre-K to grade 3 classrooms - F2F | Independent variables: Study 1: Implementation of action research in which topics of UDL principles, methods of reading and math, young children, and disabilities were taught; practicum in which UDL approaches were used in class by the preservice teachers to complete their action research. Study 2: Practicum in which UDL principles were taught and training was conducted using teacher education materials developed by the Center for Assistive Special Technology. Dependent variables (Data collection: Qualitative method): - Interview using grounded theory. - Preservice teachers’ understanding and implementation of UDL in their teaching. | - The effectiveness of UDL strategies in enhancing their teaching in terms of class structure, learning, engagement and accessibility for every student in class. - Preservice teachers’ confidence in their knowledge about UDL and its application. - Categorized as effective. | - |
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[ | - 46: 6 faculty and 11 teachers taking a UDL online course; 17 faculty and teachers attending the first two-day F2F summer institute; 12 attending F2F event - Online or F2F summer course | Independent variables: - Instruction using the collaborative professional development model and UDL strategies (e.g., computer-aided instruction, productivity software, and instruction management software). - Learning topics taught: UDL principles and networks, significance of electronic texts, learning barriers associated with students with special needs, and hands-on technology implementation (e.g., Thinking Reader, voice recognition, IntelliMathics, computer voice, other hands-on technology tools). - Building learning team in which university faculty and teachers grouped as a team while taking online Blackboard class. Dependent variables (Data collection: Qualitative method): Written reflections (feedback) from teachers. | - Participants’ inefficient use of multiple technology devices for instruction due to a lack of skills in technology. - Collaboration essential to produce progress in teaching practices. - UDL approaches valued: Teachers’ appreciation of the assistive and adaptive technology to benefit their students with different learning backgrounds; adequate amount of practice needed to generalize their acquired technology knowledge in different contexts with continuous supports. Categorized as effective. | - |
was offered regarding the number of participants in each of these disability categories.
Ten studies were conducted in the students’ classrooms (see [
Professional development programs were described in studies as having been designed and utilized for faculty (see [
Independent Variables
Regarding UDL implementation, a variety of independent variables were identified. Eleven studies described investigations focused on increasing learning outcomes. The most frequently used independent variables were UDL-based course design and implementation (see [
Implementation for faculty members took the form of professional development programs, with each study using a different type of program. The independent variables included keynote presentation on UDL and focus group discussion (see [
Dependent Variables
Multiple dependent variables were also measured. Six studies evaluated UDL-implemented courses using course evaluations (see [
Furthermore, perceptions of UDL implementation, participants’ discussions, confidence in UDL implementation, attitudes and actions toward SDs, effectiveness of the programs, knowledge about UDL, accommodations and disability-related issues, and level of knowledge acquisition were commonly measured across the studies using professional development programs (see [
Regarding strategies, nine studies delineated or listed UDL approaches matching UD or UDL principles (see [
Implementation of the interventions was generally reported to be effective. The outcomes of captioned conditioning (see [
This systematic review revealed that the outcomes of UDL implementation in 15 of the 17 studies examined were effective for coursework or professional development programs. This finding is promising, suggesting the value of applying UDL principles [
Specifically, the studies reflected different aspects of UDL implementation, including interaction, knowledge acquisition, technology use, modification and accommodation for SDs, and related laws and regulations [
Of particular importance was the finding that participants with LD and/or ADHD did not perform better in their STEM courses than their peers with other disabilities who did not participate in PLTL. As a result, further research should address these findings with a particular focus on examining different disabilities, at-risk groups on campus, and other identified variables [
Also, of importance, three studies discussed students’ use of products to evaluate the effectiveness of the UDL implementation. The results suggested that the best approach was comprised of professors’ instruction with examples, students’ practice and products using hands-on activities, and feedback and assessments (see [
It is also important to emphasize that less than 5% of the participants sampled in the 17 studies were reported to have disabilities. This might explain the discrepancy in the number of enrollments and class attendance rates for these students (see [
The review also revealed that teacher education courses were described in some of the studies as involving students with and without special needs (see [
Another finding is the importance of considering students’ needs when providing instruction and accommodations. In Smith [
The instructional strategies were found to match UD or UDL principles across the included studies. The strategies were nested in eLearning (e.g., web-based asynchronous vs. synchronous discussion; distance learning for two different classrooms at two different institutions; anytime-, any place-based), adult learning (e.g., learning autonomy, self-discipline), and traditional learning (e.g., in-class lecture). One of the strengths of web-based instruction is its flexibility in terms of time and space to promote learning as well as its inherent ability to handle built-in accommodations and modifications [
Finally, the most frequent independent variables were design and implementation of UDL-based courses. Other independent variables included strategies to facilitate UDL implementation, such as revisions and modifications of lesson plans; training instructors to enhance learning outcomes and interaction; use of technology; and learning community. All in all, the findings reinforce the value of UDL-based blended instruction, focusing on the three UDL principles of multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement.
This systematic review examined 17 empirically based studies focused on UDL implementation, presenting a discussion on the value of UDL supported by existing research. Altogether, the analysis revealed that these studies, conducted on the application of UDL principles, showed that this approach was effective; thus, underscoring the benefits of UDL in educating students with and without disabilities at the postsecondary level.
Seok, S., DaCosta, B. and Hodges, R. (2018) A Systematic Review of Empirically Based Universal Design for Learning: Implementation and Effectiveness of Universal Design in Education for Students with and without Disabilities at the Postsecondary Level. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 6, 171-189. https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2018.65014