Universal Design for Learning: An Inclusive Curriculum
Karthika. J
Junior Research Fellow, Dept. of English, College of Engineering, Anna University, Chennai-25
Veena Selvam
Asst. Professor, Dept. of English, College of Engineering, Anna University, Chennai-25
Keywords: Learners with disabilities, Universal Design for learning, Curriculum, English Language Teaching, Inclusion
Abstract
The present one-size-that-fits-all English language curriculums in India are based on pre-determined progression and standardized time frame. Our learners in the classrooms are from a diverse socio-economic background with varying levels of capabilities and vary on many dimensions of learningLSRW Skills, vocabulary, curiosity, interests, motivation, memory, perception, mood and also biological state. However, our present curriculum assumes that every student learns and performs at the grade level. And the present paper is an attempt to reflect on the flaws in designing curriculum which ignores a large number of prospective learners- especially learners with disabilities. It proposes an alternative design which would be flexible enough to cater to the needs of our diverse learners including low proficient ESL learners, and learners with audio, visual, cognitive and motor disabilities.
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