Preparation and Experiences for Implementation Teacher Candidates' Perceptions and Understanding of Unversal Design for Learning

Since UDL aims to provide learning environments functional for the most extensive number of learners possible, the needs for individualizing these environments can be minimized (Curry, Cohen, & Lightbody, 2006). The Center for Applied SpecialTechnology (CAST, 2014) provides three core principles of UDL: (1) multiple means of representation; (2) multiple means of action and expression; and (c) multiple means of engagement. Because individuals have varied skills, needs, and interests in relation to their learning, uniquely coordinated by individuals' brain networks, each of these three core principles are derived from activating the following brain networks: (a) recognition networks making connections with the what of learning; (b) strategic networks making links with the how to learning; and (c) affective network activating the why to learning (CAST, 2014). [...]the UDL principles from Universal Design for Learning Guidelines- Version 2.0 (CAST, 2011) were utilized to guide subcategorization of UDL features identified in the lesson review protocol. [...]the results of the lesson plan reviews were grouped according to the UDL principles; (1) multiple means of representation, (2) multiple means of action and expression in, and (3) multiple means of engagement.