Blog #5 UDL: Action & Expression

What does the research say about this?

Action and Expression is the way that you can modify the outcomes of a students work based on their needs. For example, a student with dyslexia might have a better experience telling a narrative through images versus writing a story. "It should also be recognized that action and expression require a great deal of strategy, practice, and organization, and this is another area in which learners can differ. In reality, there is not one means of action and expression that will be optimal for all learners" (udlguidelines.cast.org). Making your classroom work under UDL takes practice and experience. A first year teacher may not be able to include as much action and expression options as a teacher who has been teaching five years. There also isn't one thing that is going to produce the same results for every student. A student who is an excellent writer and not so good at drawing may find that telling the narrative through art like the student with dyslexia doesn't work for them. It is important that teachers meet as many students needs as possible without individualizing for every single student. Teachers should be providing options that test more than just the students ability to read and write. 

How can this be effectively integrated into your teaching?

I can effectively integrate this into my teaching by providing different means for student outcome. Like my example above, when looking for a narrative piece from my students they could write one, draw one, or even act one out. Giving students more ways to express themselves while also meeting the standards can make them feel like they are learning more. How will this help your students?

This will help my students because they will be able to be more interactive with their education. They will feel like the work they do is for more than a grade--it will feel like they are finding real ways to express. For students with special needs, they will feel like they have ways to do the assignment and still learn in the same ways as their peers. What are your goals with regard to this topic?

My goal is to provide options for assignments whenever possible--inside and outside of class. I hope to find activities that get them moving. I also hope that my students will feel like class is fun and that they will have motivation to do the assignment.How does this shape your vision for empowered learning for your students?

This shapes my vision for empowered learning for my students because if they are able to express their work in a way that fits their needs then they will feel like they are an active learner and a part of the classroom. Letting students move makes them feel free which empowers them more than being trapped in a desk. 

Resources:

http://udlguidelines.cast.org/action-expression

http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines/principle2