Universal Design for Learning (UDL): A Paradigm Shift in Inclusive Education

Present article aims to explain the basis nuances pertaining to the concept of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and its possible application in inclusive class room setting. UDL is an instructional approach with flexible, interactive, proactive and multiple means of engagement in content delivery, students’ reactions and assessment mechanism during the teaching and learning process. It incorporates the philosophy of need based shifting of pedagogical aspects from text to audio-visual, traditional to blended & OER, one size fit curricula for all to need based varying, passive to interactive, mono content delivery & assessment system to multiple one. It also envisages for providing equal learning opportunities to all types of learners with regards to their varying abilities. Removal of architectural, pedagogical and curricular barriers from academic institutions is the fundament and inherent aspects of UDL. It addresses one’s right to access the quality education as per his learning styles and approaches. However, inclusive education is also regarded for providing equal learning opportunities but with the limitations of not offering much options regarding pedagogical aspect of teaching and learning as UDL supposed to provide. In true sense, UDL has the potential to meet out the diverse need of learners of inclusive classroom setting and it may be regarded as the paradigm shift in inclusive education.