Academics

Instructors invited to learn more about reducing barriers to learning

Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence announces workshop, course on Universal Design for Learning

Credit: Penn State / Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Instructors of any rank, teaching assistants, and members of the learning design community from any Penn State campus who would like to learn how to better serve students challenged by varying levels of ability and access will have two opportunities to do so in the coming weeks.

The Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence will offer a workshop and online short course on the concept of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework of brain-based, research-backed principles that reduces barriers to learning by addressing the variability of students' preparation, abilities and access to technology. 

Universal Design for Learning workshop  

The online workshop — titled “Universal Design for Learning: It’s Just Good Design!” — will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23. Participants will engage in UDL-based activities and leave with UDL-inspired example course materials developed by Penn State faculty. Presenters will include Penn State faculty and instructional consultants with expertise in teaching, learning and accessibility. 

Registration for the workshop is recommended but not required. Participants can register at the Schreyer Institute’s website. Then, join the workshop from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android using this link. 

Universal Design for Learning online short course  

Instructors who would like to delve deeper into the concept of Universal Design for Learning can also participate in an online short course on the topic, “Teach to Reach: Maximizing Learning for All Students.” The free, non-credit, asynchronous online course will begin on March 1 and end on March 26. Just a few seats remain. For more information on the course, visit the Schreyer Institute’s website or contact Mary Ann Tobin at mxt325@psu.edu. Then, register for the course by contacting Mary Ann Tobin. 

The Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence is part of the Penn State Office of Undergraduate Education, the academic administrative unit that provides leadership and coordination for University-wide programs and initiatives in support of undergraduate teaching and learning at Penn State. Learn more about Undergraduate Education at undergrad.psu.edu.

 

Last Updated February 22, 2021