Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
A framework for designing lessons that work for the widest range of learners from the start — using multiple ways to present information, multiple ways to engage and multiple ways to demonstrate understanding.
The three principles
UDL rests on three principles — multiple means of representation (showing the same idea in text, image, audio, video), multiple means of action and expression (letting children respond in writing, speech, drawing or building), and multiple means of engagement (variety in how lessons capture interest and sustain effort).
Why one-size-fits-all fails
A classroom where every lesson is teacher-talks-children-write inevitably loses learners who think better in pictures, learners with reading difficulties, learners who need movement, learners with attention differences. UDL doesn't add 'special' support — it builds variety into the default lesson.
What it looks like at Yajur
Teachers at Yajur Public School are trained to plan lessons with multiple entry points. A maths lesson may include physical manipulatives, a picture model, an oral explanation and a written task — so every child encounters the idea in a form that works for them before moving to consolidation.
Related terms
Scaffolding
Temporary support that helps a learner do something they cannot yet do alone — gradually removed as the learner becomes independent.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The structured teaching of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making — alongside academic content.
Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset
Carol Dweck's distinction between believing abilities are improvable through effort (growth) versus believing they are fixed traits (fixed) — a difference that shapes how children approach challenge.