BC TEAL is proud to present our 2025 Annual Conference: Disruptive Educational Practices: Strategies for Transformation.
Educators shine in times of change to face unexpected challenges. This is when creativity flourishes by combining proven practices with fresh and innovative ideas. These times call for transformation which can be rooted in tradition or experience, or it can arise through unexplored approaches. The synthesis of old and new ideas drives meaningful progress. Join other insightful and creative educators as we flourish within the power of our community.
This practice-oriented session addresses the need for inclusive teaching practices in English language teaching by demonstrating how the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can transform traditional classroom approaches. Participants will be able to explore how UDL can transform their classroom in more accessible and effective learning environments for all students. Participants will learn how to leverage the three core UDL principles to transform their learning spaces into a more welcoming environment for all learners. This workshop is grounded in CAST's UDL framework (Meyer et al., 2014) and its application to language teaching (Collins, 2018). The session demonstrates how UDL principles naturally align with current language teaching methodologies while addressing diverse learner needs.
Attendees will be given a short overview of the principles of UDL and their relevance to English Language Teaching. This is followed with some short practical applications: transforming language instruction through multiple means of representation, reimagining assessment practices with multiple means of action and expression, and creating inclusive speaking activities using multiple means of engagement. Each demonstration includes step-by-step implementation guidelines, common challenges and solutions, ready-to-use materials and templates, and adaptation strategies for different contexts.
Participants will leave with practical tools for implementing UDL principles in their classrooms, understanding how these guidelines can transform traditional ELT practices into more inclusive and effective learning experiences.
References Collins, L. (2018). The impact of universal design for learning in the English language classroom. TESOL Journal, 9(1), 157-179.
Meyer, A., Rose, D. H., & Gordon, D. (2014). Universal design for learning: Theory and practice. CAST Professional Publishing.
Nathan Hall is an English language / TESL educator with over 19 years of experience. He is passionate about pedagogically-sound uses of technology for education.
