Maynooth University Centre for Teaching and Learning

MU - UDL & U. Building a Culture of Inclusion in Maynooth University

Embedding Universal Design for Learning principles in teaching, learning and assessment practices is an important element of Maynooth University’s commitment to the provision of a more inclusive learning environment and experience for all our students. To support this commitment, CTL awarded four UDL focused T&L Fellowships to Maynooth University colleagues under the HEA PATH 4, Phase 1 - Universal Design for Education Fund. CTL and the UDL Faculty T&L Fellows worked together to develop this hub.

The UDL Faculty T&L Fellows 2023-24 were:

Dr Marian Crowley-Henry, School of Business, and Dr Margaret Flood, Education Department, and Faculty of Social Sciences.
Professor Denise Rooney, Chemistry Department and Faculty of Science and Engineering.
Professor Moynagh Sullivan, English Department and Faculty of Arts, Celtic Studies, and Philosophy.

UDL - Open Education Resources

In this section of the hub, we present Maynooth University (MU) Creative Commons licenced resources that introduce Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
The resources explain what UDL is, outline the UDL principles and guidelines, argue why UDL matters, sketch advantages and challenges associated with implementing UDL in practice and contextualise UDL in inclusive education more broadly in MU.

We welcome your feedback on these resources.

Positive Outcomes of Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Inclusive Education in Maynooth University

Anticipating and Addressing Challenges in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Implementation for Success

What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)? Principles and Guidelines

What Does the Research Tell us about Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?

Why is Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Important in Maynooth University?

MU - UDL & ME. Insights from UDL Teaching & Learning Fellows

The UDL T&L Fellows 2023-24 are:

Dr Marian Crowley-Henry, School of Business, and Dr Margaret Flood, Education Department, and Faculty of Social Sciences.
Professor Denise Rooney, Chemistry Department and Faculty of Science and Engineering.
Professor Moynagh Sullivan, English Department and Faculty of Arts, Celtic Studies, and Philosophy

In this section of our the hub, the UDL Faculty T&L Fellows talk about what UDL means to them.

MU. UDL & ME. Dr Marian Crowley-Henry

MU. UDL & ME. Dr Margaret Flood

MU. UDL & ME. Prof Denise Rooney

MU. UDL & ME. Prof Moynagh Sullivan

UDL - Plus Ones

Plus One approach - UDL in your practice
Reflecting on our practice through the lens of UDL, we can ask ourselves what one change we could make now to make our lessons more inclusive. This is often referred to as the ‘Plus One’ approach.

The Plus One approach is about making small, manageable, incremental changes to our design, delivery and assessment. It builds on what we are already doing. It is not about a whole new re-design.

Plus One changes can include for example, making an option that is currently only available to one/some students available to everyone; sharing your presentation before lectures for students who need to use a screen reader or like to pre-read; removing unnecessary visuals; or offering other modes of assessment in addition to written assignments where appropriate.

Plus One actions are context-dependent. It’s important to remember that a change made in one lesson or year grouping may not work for another, or that what works in Biology will not necessarily translate exactly to English. As educators, we are best placed to understand the varying contexts that apply to our own disciplines and class groups, and to adapt our teaching accordingly.

Plus One - Creating an Inclusive Space
Plus One - Design for Choice in Assessment/Action and Expression
Plus One - Diversifying Ways to Participate
Plus One - Using Graphic Books
Plus One - Inviting Students to Share Other Resources