THE THREE BLOCK MODEL OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING (UDL): ENGAGING STUDENTS IN INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

TLDR

The study examined how the Three Block Model of Universal Design for Learning affects student academic and social engagement, considering demographics, task types, and grouping structures. Researchers conducted a quasi‑experimental study with 671 students from 10 Manitoba schools, measuring classroom climate, belongingness, autonomy, and inclusivity before and during the intervention and analyzing the data with repeated‑measures MANCOVAs. The model significantly boosted students’ active engagement and social interaction, enhancing peer relationships, autonomy, and inclusivity.

Abstract

Outcomes related to student academic and social engagement when the Three Block Model of Universal Design for Learning (Author, 2012) is implemented were investigated. Six hundred and seventy-one students from grades one to twelve attending ten schools located in two rural and three urban school divisions in Manitoba took part in the study. Intervention and control groups were assessed pre and during intervention for academic and social engagement. Student and teacher demographics, types of task and grouping structures being assigned were investigated to determine impacts on engagement. Students completed several measures of classroom climate, belongingness, student autonomy, and inclusivity/exclusivity, and a selected sample were observed to obtain detailed information about their engaged behavior. Data were analyzed using repeated measures MANCOVAs. The intervention significantly increased students’ engaged behavior, particularly active engagement, and promoted social engagement through increased peer interactions, student autonomy, and inclusivity.