Implementation
Be the changeUDL Guidelines - Version 2.0: Examples and Resources
Checkpoint 3.1: Activate or supply background knowledge
I. Provide Multiple Means of Representation
Comprehension
Key Considerations
- How does this help learners meet the goal?
- How does this account for the variability of all learners?
- Does this help learners connect to what they already know?
udlcenter [at] udlcenter [dot] org (Can you think of other examples/resources that illustrate this checkpoint? Tell us!)
Search these examples and resources on Diigo!
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Digging for Answers
From the Smithsonian Institute, Digging for Answers is a quiz game that allows students to test their research skills. If students answer incorrectly, they are prompted with a link to background knowledge that will help them to find the correct answer. Age Group: K-8 |
Why UDL? Digging for Answers provides a great example of an activity that encourages the acquisition of new knowledge by supplying access to appropriate background knowledge.
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Windows to the Universe
This interactive, educational website about our universe and planetary systems was created by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research and is supported by NASA and the National Science Foundation (NSF), among others. Age Group: All ages |
Why UDL? Embedded links on each page and in the glossary provide access to further knowledge. These links provide students with immediate access to relevant background information that will facilitate comprehension of a new subject. See also: |
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Exploratorium After School Activities
Take a look through the online activities of the Exploratorium, a San Francisco musuem with a sharp focus on education. The "Going Further" option for each activity suggests extension activities and offers links to access relevant background knowledge. Click on "About the Exploratorium" to access the full website and more educational activities. Age Group: K-12 |
Why UDL? The "Going Further" option is a perfect example of providing options to activate background knowledge. |
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Activities to Activate Background Knowledge
Check out this post from the ELLClassroom blog for ideas on activities that will activate students' background knowledge. Age Group: K-12+ |
Why UDL? Strategies suggested on the ELL Classroom blog, such as "brain dump" and "vocabulary checklist," seek to anchor instruction by activating relevant background knowledge. |
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Teaching Strategies: Activating Prior Knowledge
ESOL Online has a helpful list of strategies for activating prior knowledge that are useful for multilingual or monolingual classrooms. Age Group: K-12 |
Why UDL? The strategies listed on the ESOL site, such as concept maps, KWL charts, and graphic organizers, are effective examples of ways to activate and supply students' background knowledge. |
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TeacherVision: Activating Background Knowledge
TeacherVision provides teachers with a rationale for activating background knowledge, ideas for classroom implementation, ways to measure success, and lesson plans. Use this site as a way to enhance your own background knowledge! Age Group: K-12 |
Why UDL? The information and strategies listed on this site are great examples of activating students' background knowledge. |
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Seeking District Partners for UDL Implementation Project
Join in CAST's Universal Design for Learning Professional Development System project, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Please submit by February 15 at 5 p.m. EST. Learn more about how to apply.
Last Updated: 01/03/2012
National Center On Universal Design for Learning, At CAST
40 Harvard Mills Square, Suite 3, Wakefield, MA 01880-3233
TEL (781) 245-2212, EMAIL udlcenter [at] udlcenter [dot] org
40 Harvard Mills Square, Suite 3, Wakefield, MA 01880-3233
TEL (781) 245-2212, EMAIL udlcenter [at] udlcenter [dot] org
