Multiple Means of Action & Expression
Multiple Means of Action & Expression addresses the reality that not all students demonstrate knowledge with the same strengths, and not all evaluation methods resonate with all students. This doesn't mean that any specific type of method should be eliminated. Rather, it opens doors to allowing student choice, flexibility, and versatility.
"Learners differ in the ways that they can navigate a learning environment and express what they know. For example, individuals with significant movement impairments (e.g., cerebral palsy), those who struggle with strategic and organizational abilities (executive function disorders), those who have language barriers, and so forth approach learning tasks very differently. Some may be able to express themselves well in written text but not speech, and vice versa. It should also be recognized that action and expression require a great deal of strategy, practice, and organization, and this is another area in which learners can differ. In reality, there is not one means of action and expression that will be optimal for all learners; providing options for action and expression is essential." ~ The UDL Guidelines
General ideas for implementing this UDL principle include:
- Provide options for student response
- Allow multiple formats for demonstrating knowledge—oral or written
- Incorporate a variety of assessment formats
- Establish a framework for planning through detailed descriptions of assignments
- Encourage use of technologies to ensure students accurately express their understanding
Implementing Multiple Means of Action & Expression |
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| The goal: Create a learning environment in which students can express their comprehension in multiple ways. | |
| UDL Guideline | Examples |
| Encourage students to demonstrate knowledge and skills in ways other than traditional tests and exams, such as essays, projects, presentations, portfolios, etc. | Use a variety of assessment methods so students can show their mastery of learning objectives in multiple ways. For example, in a History class, include quizzes, case studies, oral presentations, and creative projects in addition to or instead of traditional tests or exams. |
| Provide students with choices in the methods used to demonstrate their learning. | Where possible, allow students to choose among different options for the delivery format and/or type of project. Even slight variations can boost student expression. For example, students could complete either a video, a poster presentation, or an essay to demonstrate their knowledge of a topic. |
| Incorporate technologies that facilitate communication and participation and build a class community. | Incorporate discussion boards, group assignments, and peer review, using the appropriate tools, to allow for reflection and collaboration. |