At Oak Learners Micro School, we believe in fostering the individuality of each child, recognizing that every learner has their own unique strengths, needs, and interests. In our progressive, interdisciplinary, inquiry-based programming, we strive to create an environment where each student has the freedom and support to take ownership of their learning journey. Central to this philosophy are two educational frameworks—Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Differentiated Instruction (DI)—which guide us in creating personalized learning experiences for every student.
These frameworks are foundational to Oak Learners’ approach, where every student engages in a cyclical process of identifying their own strengths, needs, goals, and interests. Through collaboration with teachers, peers, parents, and community members, they design inquiry-based projects that guide their learning over the course of a term. This holistic and integrated approach ensures that each child’s learning experience is tailored to help them not only meet, but exceed, Ontario Curriculum expectations, all while preparing them for success in high school and beyond.
What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework that strives to eliminate barriers to learning by offering flexible learning opportunities from the start. The key tenet of UDL is that it’s not the learner that needs to adapt to the curriculum, but rather, the curriculum should be designed to be accessible to all students, regardless of their differences. We love this notion at Oak – kid’s don’t do the adapting, we do it for them! UDL focuses on providing multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression, ensuring that every learner has access to the curriculum in ways that best suit their individual learning profile.
At Oak Learners, UDL supports our inquiry-based approach by allowing students to engage with content in multiple ways. For example, a student might engage with a history project by reading, viewing a documentary, or discussing key concepts with peers. This flexibility fosters independence, encourages creative thinking, and ensures that students are able to access the content in the way that makes the most sense to them, enhancing their learning experience.
What is Differentiated Instruction (DI)?
Differentiated Instruction (DI) is an approach that focuses on tailoring teaching to meet the diverse needs of students. Rather than assuming all students learn the same way, DI recognizes that each learner has different readiness levels, learning styles, and interests. Teachers use various strategies—such as adjusting content, processes, and products—to ensure that each student is challenged appropriately and supported in their learning.
At Oak Learners, DI plays a critical role in helping students develop self-awareness as learners. Each student’s educational journey is unique, and through one-on-one collaboration with teachers, they identify areas of strength and areas for growth. Teachers then differentiate the learning experience to meet each student’s individual needs, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to engage deeply with the material. This personalized approach fosters a sense of ownership over their learning and promotes confidence, motivation, and resilience.
How UDL and DI Work Together at Oak Learners
While UDL and DI have distinct principles, they complement each other perfectly. Together, they provide a comprehensive framework for supporting individualized learning experiences, ensuring that students have the tools they need to succeed academically and personally. At Oak Learners, we use both frameworks to create a learning environment that is flexible, responsive, and holistic.
1. Student-Centered Learning:
Both UDL and DI place the student at the center of the learning process. UDL provides flexible pathways to access content, while DI ensures that students’ individual needs are met with targeted support. At Oak Learners, students are encouraged to become advocates for their own learning, building self-awareness and motivation through active participation in the learning process. They work collaboratively with teachers to identify their goals and design projects that align with their interests and strengths.
2. Flexibility and Adaptation:
In a micro-school like Oak Learners, flexibility is key. UDL’s emphasis on multiple means of representation allows us to adapt the curriculum to meet students where they are, while DI helps us tailor instruction to ensure every student is appropriately challenged. Whether it’s offering different methods of learning, adjusting tasks, or incorporating real-world projects, our educators provide an environment where students have the freedom to explore and learn in ways that work best for them. Our Bridge the Gap program is a prime example of the flexibility we offer at Oak Learners.
3. Cross-Curricular and Real-World Projects:
At Oak Learners, we integrate skills for learning through cross-curricular projects that apply directly to real-world scenarios. By connecting skills across disciplines—such as literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and collaboration—we prepare students for the high school grades and beyond. This approach not only solidifies Ontario Curriculum expectations but also promotes the development of skills that are essential for lifelong learning. UDL and DI help us customize these experiences, ensuring that each student can engage meaningfully with the content and build competencies in ways that resonate with them.
4. Holistic, Inquiry-Based Approach:
Our interdisciplinary, inquiry-based model is the perfect environment for the application of UDL and DI. Through inquiry-based projects, students explore complex questions, solve real-world problems, and connect their learning to the world around them. UDL’s multiple means of engagement, paired with DI’s differentiation strategies, allow us to provide a rich, supportive environment where students are not just learning content, but developing the skills and mindset needed for future success.
Conclusion: A Personalized, Student-Centered Journey
At Oak Learners, we are committed to creating a learning environment that celebrates the individuality of each child. Through the integration of UDL and DI, we offer flexible, differentiated learning opportunities that support every student’s unique journey. This approach not only helps students meet Ontario Curriculum expectations but also empowers them to become lifelong learners—equipped with the confidence, skills, and motivation they need to succeed in high school and beyond.
As we continue to build a community of learners who are self-aware, independent, and inquisitive, we are proud to provide an educational experience that sets students on a path of meaningful growth and success.
Source: https://www.novakeducation.com/blog/udl-vs-differentiated-instruction-a-new-perspective
