UDL Symposium: 2E. Creating innovative assessments through a UDL lens

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Interactive workshop

In this session, an overview of theoretical concepts was presented that related assessments in the higher education sector with reference to Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Using research about how to re-imagine exams from the National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education (NCSEHE), descriptions are provided on how to ensure that assessments pick up on multiple means of engagement, representation and action and expression. Participants had the opportunity to discuss exemplar assessments and rate them in terms of each of the UDL pillars. Participants also had the opportunity to consider their own assessments and reflect on how they would go about modifying these to be more inclusive.

This interactive workshop balanced summarising key literature with a hands-on approach to support participants to re-conceptualise their own use of assessment in higher education and the impact this has on inclusion.

Presenter

Dr Andy Smidt is a Senior Lecturer in Speech Pathology at the University of Sydney. She is also the faculty Disability Liaison Officer, where she supports students in the faculty of medicine and health who have an academic plan. Dr Smidt is a researcher in severe intellectual disabilities and has a keen interest in UDL.

(September 2023)