Core Session 3: Beyond the Textbook: Multiple Means of Representation as a Path to Removing Barriers
Christine Scherer and Lauren McKeen McDonald
Introduction
All learners comprehend and perceive information differently. Providing more than one way for students to access information creates pathways for increased participation and deeper learning, and provides much needed flexibility for overburdened students. In this session, we will focus on the implementation of the UDL principle of multiple means of representation, which focuses on presenting information in multiple ways and/or modalities. We will address the often time-consuming task of identifying new course materials, and give attendees both short and long-term strategies for finding, creating, and implementing multiple means of representation in their classes.
Learning Objectives
- Explain what it means to provide multiple means of representation within a course
- Explain how providing more than one way for students to access information can benefit all students and positively impact student mental health
- Analyze current course materials and representation methods of course content for potential barriers they may cause for students
- Apply at least one strategy for implementing multiple means of representation, such as offering content in multiple modalities, recording lectures, or crowdsourcing resources to reduce barriers for students
Pre-Work
Select one (1) of the following resources to read, watch, or listen to, then complete the Multiple Means of Representation reflection worksheet prior to watching the recording. If you’re watching with a group, you may use the worksheet as a prompt for group discussion.
Video option
Text option
Universal Design for Learning Guidelines version 2.2 (Center for Applied Special Technology, 2018) Retrieved from: http://udlguidelines.cast.org/representation
Audio option
Universal Design for Learning-Multiple Means of Representation from Assist Learning Podcast | Podcast Episode on Podbay (Podbay, 2017) Retrieved July 19, 2022 from: https://podbay.fm/p/assist-learning-podcast/e/1504130802
Session Recording
Presentation Slides and Resources
Presentation Slides: Beyond the Textbook
Presentation Transcript: Beyond the Textbook(Word document)
Multiple Means of Representation: additional tools and readings
For Northwestern faculty and instructors
Video Production Studio (Mudd Library, Evanston)
