Reflections in Focus Blog Posts

Universal Design for Learning: Making Education Work for Everyone Introduction Every student learns differently, yet traditional teaching methods often follow a one-size-fits-all approach. This can leave many students struggling to grasp concepts that could have been easier to understand with the right support. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) provides a framework to create more inclusive…

Failure in accounting study without UDL  In my undergraduate study experience, I deeply realized the importance of Universal Learning Design (UDL). Think back to an accounting course I took in college. This course mainly explains how to write an accounting journal. At that time, many classmates, like me, didn’t like previewing before class. At the same…

Reflecting on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and its role in promoting inclusivity, I recall my difficulties in a typical mathematics lesson in Iran. Art and painting have always been my passions; my mind feeds on images and creativity. However, my teacher only used chalkboard lectures to give arid formulas and expected consistent memorizing for…

When I was a freshman in college in China, I was assigned to a class with students who had good math scores because my math scores on the college entrance examination were very good. However, I knew that my actual ability was different from those students, and even much lower than theirs. The teacher did…

When I was young in China, I believe that if I worked hard, I would be the best in school. My teachers always said, ” Work hard, and you will be number one.” So, I studied late every night, even until 1 a.m. in middle and high school. But no matter how hard I tried,…

Personal Reflection on Universal Design Learning and Inclusion I’ve always believed learning should be inclusive, but my own experiences have shown me how easy it is to feel left out. Growing up as a twin, I watched my brother excel at math while I struggled. Despite this, I pursued a business course because I felt…

Dr. Serhat Kurt (2024) explains that Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational approach designed to create flexible and inclusive learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of all students, removing unnecessary obstacles in the learning process. Grounded in neuroscience and social research, UDL provides a set of principles that guide educators in…

Having studied as an MEd student at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), I have noticed considerable variation in Canada-India teaching styles. My initial studies in India focused considerably on rote memorization, learning from textbooks, and lecture-based learning, with precious little time allowed for critical thinking or active engagement. At TRU, though, I experienced an interactive, student-focused…