THEME 4: Advancing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) across educational contexts

Project Leads: Erin Leif, Samantha Vleck and Leslie Trudel

Overview

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) offers a powerful framework for creating inclusive and accessible learning experiences that meet the diverse needs of all students.

This project explores the implementation of UDL in primary, secondary, and tertiary education, focusing on building educator capability to design and deliver more inclusive teaching and assessment practices. Through research, professional learning, and collaboration with teachers, school leaders, university educators, and policymakers, we investigate the challenges and opportunities of integrating UDL principles across different educational settings. By co-designing resources and evidence-based strategies, this work aims to empower educators with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to proactively identify and remove barriers to learning and participation.

By embedding UDL at all levels of education, this project contributes to a more equitable and inclusive education system, ensuring that all learners — regardless of ability or background — can thrive.

Publications and conference presentations

2021

• Jwad, N., O’Donovan, M., Leif, E., Knight, E., Ford, E., and Buhne, J. (2021). Universal Design for Learning in the Australian tertiary education sector: A scoping review and recommendations for policy and practice. The Australian Disability Clearinghouse for Education and Training.
• Leif, E., Subban, P. & Grove, C. (July 2021). Inclusive instructional design in higher education: From research to practice. Invited workshop presented at the Monash Education Academy Learning and Teaching Conference 2021.
• Leif, E., Alfrey, L., Grove, C., & Sharma, U. (July 2021). Designing online learning environments that work for all students. Keynote presented at the University of Wollongong Academy for Tertiary Teaching & Learning Excellence Forum
• Leif, E., & Alfrey, L. (August 2021). Designing online education that works for all students: A 7-step UDL approach. Invited seminar for the Australian Disability Clearinghouse for Education and Training.

2022

• Leif, E., & McClennan, D. (December 2022). UDL Masterclass with Frederic Fovet. Synthesising strategic tips for the next decade of UDL development. Event hosted by Monash University and the Australian Disability Clearinghouse for Education and Training.
• Leif, E., Ford, E., Swayn, D. (November 2022). Universal Design for Learning as a Facilitator for Improved Student Engagement, Retention, and Success. Paper presented at the 2022 Equity Practitioners in Higher Education Australasia Conference.
• Leif, E., Fox, R., and Bloomfield, B. (November 2022). Levelling Up Your Online Teaching with Universal Design for Learning. Teaching Practice Showcase presented at the 2022 Monash Education Academy Teaching and Learning Conference.

2023

• Leif, E., Knight E., Buhne, J., Carney, A, Casey, A., Dinmore, S., Downie, A., Dracup, M., Ford, E., Goodfellow, J., Jackson, M., Jwad, N., Kminiak, D., McClennan, D., O’Donovan, M., Seage, J., Suciu, M., & Swayn, D. (2023). Building Australian tertiary educator knowledge and skill in Universal Design for Learning. Journal of Post-Secondary Education and Disability, 36(1), 55-64.

2024

• Leif, E., Sharma, U., and De Bondt, J. (October 2024). Inclusive Teaching in Higher Education Masterclass. Monash Education Academy.
• Leif, E., McLean, K., Subban, P., & Grove, C. (2024). How are values embedded and enacted through teaching and learning practices in higher education in Australia? In Worldviews and Values in Higher Education: Teaching, Learning, Curricula, and Assessment. Emerald.