Learning and Leading

Step Two: Design a Stage One Personalized Learning Environment

In a Stage One PLE, the teacher introduces learner voice and choice.

Teacher

Knows how the learner learns best
Applies UDL principles to lessons
Redesigns learning environment
Integrates technology
Designs assessment strategies

Learner

Establishes learning goals with teacher
Creates a personal learning plan
Chooses how to access content
Has a voice expressing knowledge
Selects the way to engage with content

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Universal Design for Learning

To begin redesigning the learning environment to support how your learners learn best, choose four diverse learners from your class and assess their learner qualities. You can then set up multiple learning zones based on these qualities to provide all of your learners with choices in how to learn and express what they know and understand.

Here are some suggestions for environmental solutions for specific learner qualities.

Learner;Qualities

Fidgeting and having trouble sitting still
Prefers working on projects
Cannot sequence what is happening in story
Likes to draw with technology
Prefers to work alone and reflect on task

Learning;Environment

Area to pace or stand with high desks Tables grouped for collaborative work Teacher area with interactive whiteboard Multimedia computers with stylus or tablets Individual space for private journaling

•;Representation

;Show-Off Zone

•;Engagement

Discovery Zone

;
Creation
Zone

•;Expression;and;action

Free Movement

Repeat
Level
Zone
Discussion and
Thinking Zone

Kevin McLaughlin, a primary teacher at Old Mill Primary School in Leicestershire, England, divided his classroom into five zones to enable learners to approach and respond to concepts on their own terms. This is how he laid out his learning environment.