Universal Design for Learning and Skills-Based Health Education

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the article was to demonstrate how to use the principles of Universal Design for Learning to teach skills-based health education. Using Universal Design for Learning enhances the learning of Skills-Based Health Education for all students. One strength of Skills-Based Health Education is that it engages all students in the learning. Consequently, Multiple Means of Engagement is consistent with current pedagogical practice. Because Skills-Based Health instruction varies according to the content and skill, students have the opportunity to learn through Multiple Means of Representation such as graphic organizers, charts, manipulatives, video, etc. During authentic assessment, students are challenged to demonstrate what they learned through Multiple Means of Action and Expression such as roleplaying, demonstrations, comparisons, analysis, and more.