UNB symposium to give educators tools to provide accessible learning
Author: Communications
Posted on Sep 8, 2014
Category: UNB Fredericton
Universities across the country are placing more focus on improving academic achievement and student retention, which makes meeting the learning needs of students in today’s diverse classroom even more important.
The concept of Universal Design—the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design—has inspired Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework for designing instruction that enables all individuals to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning.
The University of New Brunswick’s Accessibility Centre will be hosting a symposium to look at effective ways of connecting with faculty to promote UDL principles and practices; and research the application of UDL methods in various post-secondary learning environments.
Universal Design in Post-Secondary Teaching: Reality or Utopia? is a symposium for educators and will take place on Nov. 9-10 at UNB Fredericton.
Jody Gorham, director of UNB’s Accessibility Centre, says the profile of students entering post-secondary institutions is changing.
“Faculty are being challenged to recognize a wide-range of diversity in their classrooms including the age, life experiences, academic preparation, cultural backgrounds, first languages, learning styles, and abilities,” said Gorham.
She says it’s important for today’s university faculty to be educated and trained on how best to address the instructional and learning challenges that such classroom diversity brings.
All and any post-secondary educators are encouraged to attend this symposium.
More information | Registration
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