Implementing the Three Block Model of Universal Design for Learning: effects on teachers' self-efficacy, stress, and job satisfaction in inclusive classrooms K-12

TLDR

The study reports teachers’ perceptions of the Three Block Model of Universal Design for Learning, highlighting its effects on students and teachers and identifying barriers and supports needed in diverse classrooms. Fifty‑eight K‑12 teachers from 10 Manitoba schools, spanning rural and urban divisions, implemented the Three Block Model of Universal Design for Learning to assess its impact on teaching and student outcomes. Teachers observed reduced challenging behavior, better peer interactions, increased engagement and learning, alongside enhanced self‑efficacy, lower workload, and higher job satisfaction, yet noted barriers such as limited collaborative planning time, scarce differentiated resources, and insufficient professional learning communities and public education.

Abstract

Fifty-eight teachers of grades 1–12 in 10 schools located in two rural and three urban school divisions in Manitoba were involved in a study implementing the Three Block Model of Universal Design for Learning and exploring its outcomes for teachers and students. This article reports teachers' perceptions related to the outcomes of the implementation of the model for both students and themselves and gives voice to teachers working in challenging, diverse classrooms regarding the barriers they face to inclusive practice and what supports are needed. After implementing the model, teachers reported positive student outcomes in terms of reductions in challenging behaviour, improved student-to-student interactions, engagement, and learning. They also believed the model improved their practice and self-efficacy related to inclusive education, reduced their workload, and improved job satisfaction. However, teachers also articulated several barriers to its implementation, including the need for collaborative planning time, differentiated resources, professional learning communities, and public education.