ADCET UDL Symposium: UDL - Practical Strategies for the University CFL Classroom

Online presentation

This presentation demonstrated a comprehensive redesign of a Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) course, specifically addressing the challenge of “heavy” content loads by applying UDL 3.0 guidelines to foster autonomous “expert learners”. By providing a “buffet” of multi‑modal tools, the curriculum reduces systemic barriers and allows students to customise their learning path based on individual needs.

To support Multiple Means of Representation, the Ricciwawa platform allows students to customise digital text through toggling Simplified/Traditional characters and adjusting Pinyin/Zhuyin visibility and audio speeds. This flexibility reduces the cognitive load associated with character recognition and tonality. Vocabulary acquisition is further supported by Multiple Means of Engagement, where students choose between customisable physical flashcards for tactile learning or gamified digital platforms such as Quizlet, Wordwall, and Blooket. These tools transform rote memorisation into a “Joy and Play” experience, allowing students to regulate their own level of challenge.

A central innovation is Multiple Means of Action and Expression through immersive roleplay. To lower the high affective filter and anxiety of oral output, students perform as news anchors or voice actors after initial teacher‑led coaching. By framing speech within creative scenarios, student tension is replaced by social interaction, leading to higher oral proficiency and text comprehension. Impact is measured by students’ increased self‑efficacy and their ability to proactively use iLectures for pre‑class preparation.

Finally, the session modeled Hybrid Engagement, demonstrating how Padlet allows online and in‑person participants to share video and audio contributions in a single digital space. This ensures all learners, regardless of location, receive real‑time feedback and participate in a unified, inclusive community of practice.

Presenters

Jessica Wang is an Associate Lecturer in Asian Languages at Curtin University, with extensive experience teaching Mandarin across primary to tertiary contexts. Since 2019, she has worked as a unit redeveloper, coordinator, lecturer, and tutor in Chinese language and culture at Curtin University and Open University Australia. Her teaching and curriculum work focus on inclusive, student‑centred language learning, with a strong emphasis on applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to assessment, engagement, and spoken language development. Jessica is the recipient of multiple Curtin Learning and Teaching Excellence Awards for curriculum transformation and innovative pedagogy.

(June 2026)