inline-defaultCreated with Sketch.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
1 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Courses
Major
Educational Psychology | Instructional Design | Special Education
Area of study
Education
Course Language
English
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2024-09-21-
2024-11-02-
About Program

Program Overview


This micro-credential introduces educators to Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework for designing learning experiences that are accessible to all learners. Through interactive workshops, group discussions, and independent learning, participants will explore the principles of UDL and apply them to their practice. By the end of the program, participants will be able to design and implement UDL-based learning experiences that meet the needs of all learners.

Program Outline

The micro-credential will explore the move away from thinking about learning, teaching and assessment in terms of ability and disability to thinking in terms of designing learning, teaching and assessment experiences from the mindset of variability. Through discussions, professional reflections on practice and the critical examination of a chosen learning, teaching and assessment experience, the participant will develop a knowledge and understanding of the three principles of the UDL Guidelines and begin applying these principles to their practice.


Objectives:

By the end of the micro-credential, students will be able to:

  • Explain the concept of variability.
  • Discuss the key concepts of UDL.
  • Critically reflect on the goals of their learning, teaching and assessment design and delivery through a UDL lens.
  • Discuss the three principles of UDL in the context of their educational setting and practice.
  • Apply appropriate aspects of the UDL guidelines to their learning, teaching and assessment planning, design and deliver.
  • Redesign a learning, teaching and assessment experience to make one change based on their understanding of variability and the UDL guidelines.

Outline:


Delivery:

The program will be blended. Participants will attend two full in-person Saturday (21 September and 2 November 2024) workshops in Maynooth University, and five 2.5-hour online sessions on the following Thursday evenings:

  • 26 September
  • 3 October
  • 10 October
  • 17 October
  • 24 October
  • Module 1: Introduction to UDL (21 September)
  • Module 2: The Three Principles of UDL (26 September)
  • Module 3: UDL in Practice (3 October)
  • Module 4: Reflecting on Practice (10 October)
  • Module 6: Applying UDL in Practice (24 October)
  • Participants will be introduced to the key ideas of UDL and begin to consider how they can apply these ideas in their own practice. Participants will have the opportunity to apply these principles to a specific learning, teaching, and assessment experience.
  • Module 3: UDL in Practice: This module will provide opportunities for participants to discuss and analyze real-world examples of UDL in action.
  • Participants will have the opportunity to share their own experiences with UDL and learn from others. Participants will be encouraged to identify areas where they can improve their practice and develop a plan for incorporating UDL into their teaching. Participants will receive feedback on their designs from peers and instructors.
  • Module 6: Applying UDL in Practice: This module will provide participants with the opportunity to implement their redesigned learning, teaching, and assessment experience.
  • Participants will reflect on the impact of their changes and identify areas for further improvement. Participants will also have the opportunity to reflect on their overall learning journey and to identify future goals.

Assessment:


Assessment methods:

  • Individual Learning Plan: Each participant will develop an individual learning plan (ILP) that outlines their goals for the micro-credential and their plan for implementing UDL in their practice.
  • Reflective Journal: Participants will keep a reflective journal throughout the micro-credential, reflecting on their learning and experiences.
  • Portfolio: Participants will develop a portfolio of work that demonstrates their understanding of UDL and their ability to apply it to their practice.
  • Final Project: Participants will complete a final project that demonstrates their ability to design and implement a learning, teaching, and assessment experience that incorporates the principles of UDL.

Assessment criteria:

  • Understanding of UDL: Participants will be assessed on their understanding of the key concepts of UDL and their ability to apply these concepts to their practice.
  • Reflection: Participants will be assessed on their ability to reflect on their practice and to identify areas for improvement.
  • Implementation: Participants will be assessed on their ability to implement UDL in their practice.
  • Communication: Participants will be assessed on their ability to communicate their understanding of UDL and their experiences with implementing UDL in their practice.

Teaching:


Teaching methods:

  • Interactive Workshops: Participants will engage in interactive workshops led by experienced UDL experts.
  • Group Discussions: Participants will have the opportunity to discuss their learning and experiences with other participants in small groups.
  • Independent Learning: Participants will be given opportunities to engage in independent learning outside of the workshops and group discussions.

Faculty:

The program will be led by a team of experienced UDL experts with a proven track record in teaching and designing UDL-based learning experiences.


Careers:


Career Opportunities:

This micro-credential will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to implement UDL in their practice. This will make them more marketable to potential employers in a variety of education and training settings.


Potential Career Paths:

  • Teachers: Early childhood, primary, and post-primary teachers/educators and teacher educators.
  • Policymakers: Those interested in making changes to educational policies that reflect UDL.
  • Curriculum designers: Those interested in designing curriculum that is accessible to all learners.
  • Further and higher education educators: Those interested in teaching in further and higher education institutions.
  • Participants will be expected to attend all workshops and sessions.
  • Participants will be expected to complete all assessments.
  • Participants will be expected to engage actively in all aspects of the program.
  • Participants will be awarded a micro-credential upon successful completion of the program.
SHOW MORE
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:


Irish/EU Applicants:

  • A minimum 2.2 grade, honours (NFQ level 8) bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline.
  • Completion of a relevant postgraduate qualification (NFQ level 9) may be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree, subject to approval by the programme director.

International Applicants:

  • An equivalent international qualification at NFQ level 8 or above.
  • Meeting the minimum English language proficiency requirements.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

  • Practitioners who do not hold a primary degree but have significant relevant experience (in education, social care, health care, youth work, justice system) can apply through Maynooth University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
  • Applicants must submit a completed RPL form with their application.

English Language Requirements:

  • Non-native English speakers must meet the following minimum English language proficiency requirements:
  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0
  • TOEFL: 90 overall with a minimum of 20 in each section
  • The programme may be subject to change, and the final entry requirements will be confirmed at the time of application.

Language Proficiency Requirements:

  • Non-native English speakers must meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements outlined above.

Summary:

  • The entry requirements for this micro-credential are designed to ensure that applicants have the necessary academic qualifications and language skills to succeed in the program.
  • Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the entry requirements.
Location
Ambassadors
How can I help you today?