ADCET UDL Symposium: Teaching UDL by doing UDL - Modelling inclusive design in Initial Teacher Education

Online presentation

As educators strive to create more inclusive learning environments, it is essential that pre-service teachers not only gain an understanding of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) but also develop practical skills through exposure to UDL.

This presentation explored how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles were embedded and actively modelled in the design and delivery of an online Inclusive Education specialisation within an Initial Teacher Education degree.

By modelling UDL principles across subject design, subject delivery (synchronous and asynchronous) and assessment, pre-service teachers can experience inclusive design first-hand. This approach equips them with the knowledge and skills to implement inclusive practices in their own future classrooms. Through choice in how pre-service teachers engage with content, opportunities for critical self-reflection, and exposure to multiple means of representation and expression, students develop both the mindset and the practical strategies to implement UDL in their teaching practice.

Assessment tasks provide pre-service teachers with opportunities to design inclusive learning environments using multiple means of action and expression, including multimedia options and nested assessment tasks. Evidence of impact is drawn from student feedback and teaching staff reflections and observations, illustrating how these approaches enhance pre-service teachers' learning experiences and professional readiness.

Attendees gained practical insights into how UDL can be effectively modelled in online subject design and delivery. During the session, real-time reflections were gathered and promoted active participation from both in-person and online attendees. This presentation aligned with the symposium themes of Innovative UDL practices in teaching and learning and Authentic assessment strategies in a digital world, while also reflecting key considerations of UDL 3.0, in particular learner agency and inclusive digital pedagogies.

Presenter

Dr Ana Garcia-Melgar is a lecturer in Inclusive Education in the School of Education at La Trobe University. She is currently coordinating and teaching subjects within the Inclusive Education specialisation of the Bachelor of Education (Primary and Secondary). Her research interests are in the areas of inclusive education, reasonable adjustments, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and multi-tiered supports, and neuro-affirming practices. She has collaborated with La Trobe University’s Living with Disability Research Centre and Rural Health department on several projects aimed at improving the accessibility and responsiveness of mainstream services for people with disabilities.

(June 2025)