What is the Universal Design for Learning?

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework that guides the creation of flexible learning environments to accommodate the diverse needs of all students, no matter their ability. This framework was developed by neuropsychologist and educator, Dr. David H. Rose, and his colleagues at the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) in the late 1990s.

If you are familiar with MooreCo’s mission, you know that this is mirrors our approach to designing products and outfitting learning spaces. MooreCo is more than just school desks and chairs. Using the six developmental needs of students, we create equitable and inclusive learning spaces that benefit all learners. We call it our Thrive Philosophy.

This blog will explain some of the UDL principles and how schools and teachers can apply those principles to classroom design by using consciously-designed, MooreCo furnishings.

What Holds Learners Back?

Children are born eager and ready to learn and understand their world. If they are not thriving in school it is rarely due to lack of interest or enthusiasm. Stress is a huge factor in student performance and they are often inundated with it from every angle: pressure to perform academically, concerns over school safety, social anxiety, lack of support or comfort at home, inadequate accommodations for learning differences, a lack of social-emotional skills, low empathy, etc. 

By combining the elements of UDL with MooreCo's Thrive Philosophy, students can build the skills they need to succeed and some of these obstacles can be eliminated. 

This vibrant, adaptable learning environment filled with Hierarchy Shapes Desks, Hierarchy 4-Leg Chairs, and Soft Seating Pads, creates autonomy and allows students to be active participants in their education. 

What are the 3 UDL Principles?

The main focus of UDL is that all learners are unique and possess diverse strengths, weaknesses, interests, and learning styles. Instead of trying to fit students into a one-size-fits-all mold, UDL emphasizes providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and action/expression. 

• Engagement: Motivating and engaging learners through relevant content, flexible pacing, and opportunities for choice.
• Representation: Presenting information in various formats (text, audio, visuals) to cater to different learning styles.
• Action and Expression: Allowing students to demonstrate their learning in diverse ways (writing, speaking, creating).
  
  

Spaces like the one above incorporates UDL principles allowing educators to create more inclusive and equitable learning experiences. Hierarchy Grow & Roll Desks and Hierarchy Grow Stools® easily height adjust to meets the physical needs of students of all sizes. Add modular, mobile soft seating such as Boomerang Benches for breakout groups, relaxing, or socializing. 

Engagement — The Why of Learning

The UDL principle of engagement focuses on tapping into students' intrinsic motivation and fostering a positive learning environment. This involves providing students with choices in how they learn and demonstrate their knowledge, such as offering a variety of project options or allowing them to choose their preferred work styles and where they feel most comfortable. Giving students control over their learning pace, methods, and environment fosters a sense of autonomy and can significantly increase their motivation.

Flex spaces adapt to students' imaginations. Modular soft seating like the Blossom Soft Seating Sets and a collection of MooreCo Cocoon Benches  create endless configurations. Clusters of Hierarchy Activity Clover Tables and Hierarchy 4-Leg Chairs are perfect for dynamic group work. Add Compass Cabinets where students can access supplies and move at their own pace. 

Helping students understand the "why" behind learning and connecting it to meaningful goals can provide a sense of purpose and drive. By focusing on these aspects, educators can create a more engaging and motivating learning experience for all students, regardless of their learning styles or background. Foster independence and self-directed learning with quiet zone or pods where students can explore their interests.

Create a quiet zone with cozy, mobile soft seating like Beanies by MooreCo and Tinker All Foam Soft Seating Puzzle Piece Sets. Divvy D.O.C. Mobile Room Dividers and Ogee Curved Easels give students space to share ideas and learn from and about each other. Fill MooreCo Schoolworks Bookcases with a variety of resources to allow students to explore their interests. 

Representation — The What of Learning

The UDL principle of representation focuses on providing multiple means for students to access and perceive information, no matter their abilities. By providing multiple means of representation, educators can create a more inclusive and accessible learning environment for diverse learners. 

MooreCo Double Privacy Pods provide a respite with limited noise and visual stimulation. Compass Cabinets with locking doors hide visual clutter and keep materials secure. Large work stations with Akt Amoeba Tables and Akt Round Tables provide space to spread out. Soft, textured seating such as Elevate Wind Round Ottomans can calm overstimulated minds.

Representation involves presenting information and learning materials in a variety of formats to cater to different learning styles and sensory needs. Offering visual, auditory, and kinesthetic representations of the same information can help ensure that all students can effectively access and comprehend the material. This is boosted significantly by outfitting the classroom with a variety of furnishings to meet the unique needs of all students.

A variety of furniture solutions makes presenting material in different ways easy. MooreCo Array Shelving stores traditional resources while the mobile  iTeach® Spider Flat Panel Cart connects with students anywhere in the room. A wide selection of work stations including standing Akt Rectangle Tables, Hierarchy Creator Rectangle Tables with Hierarchy Rocker Chairs and Hierarchy 4-Leg Chairs, and stand-along Enroll® Tablet Chairs give students ample options to find the place where they learn best. Visual Communication tools such as porcelain steel tops and whiteboards are particularly useful for visual learners. Solitary learners work best in individual work stations such as the Soft Sway Rocking Chair while the Elevate Wind soft seating line creates modular, collaborative zones for social learners. 

Action & Expression — The How of Learning

Give students different options to move their bodies. Physical movements plays a large role in cognition. Wedge Chairs in fun fabrics create a visual focal point and can be rearranged depending on needs. Gathering zones with soft seating Chairs and Loveseats surrounding a Single Bench – Table Top provides a space for students to communicate and learn from each other. Clusters of Shapes Benches spark creativity and can be used for spontaneous group work or socializing. A staple in any modern classroom, the iTeach® Spider Flat Panel Cart can move anywhere in the room to keep students connected.

How Can Classroom Furniture Support UDL?

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in relation to school furniture emphasizes inclusive education by creating learning spaces that are accessible for all students, regardless of their learning styles or abilities.

UDL principles guide furniture selection by focusing on:

Flexibility & Adaptability

School furniture should be adaptable to various learning styles and activities. This includes height adjustable desks and chairs, standing work stations, mobile furniture that can be easily reconfigured, and a variety of flexible seating options.

The quintessential flexible classroom, this room is filled with adjustable, adaptable, ergonomic furniture with ample space to write and share ideas. 

Accessibility & Sensory Considerations

Active learning spaces should be accessible to all students, including special education, students with with sensory conditions, or students  with learning disorders such as ADHD. This may involve features like adjustable heights, casters for easy movement, and consideration of sensory needs (e.g., noise-reducing materials, comfortable seating).

Modular soft seating provides flexibility, absorbs sound, and provides texture for sensory learners. Spaces should have collaborative working areas as well as quiet work zones. 

Inclusive Spaces

Furniture should create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for all students. This includes providing a range of options to support different learning styles and preferences, fostering collaboration, and creating spaces for both individual and group work.

By carefully considering UDL principles when selecting classroom furniture, educators can create learning spaces that are more engaging, effective, and equitable for all students.

Consider the needs of every student that might enter the room. No matter their size or ability, they should be accommodated and feel welcome. Low whiteboards are accessible to all students. ADA tables and wobble stools for added movement ensure every student will find a comfortable place to learn. 

Universal Design for Learning and MooreCo's Thrive Philosophy are both backed by research to help student success. We pride ourselves on designing spaces that meet the developmental needs of students no matter their abilities. Explore our Render to Reality brochure and browse our design services to see how MooreCo can transform your classrooms into dynamic, active, multi-use spaces where all students thrive.