EXAMINATION OF VIEWS OF TEACHERS OF GIFTED STUDENTS ON UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING

Hüseyin Kocasaraç, Şahika Ünlü, Metin Aydın

Abstract


Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a contemporary educational approach, is recognized as a multidimensional and comprehensive framework for learning. Grounded in research across neuroscience, education, and technology, UDL has gained increasing scholarly attention in various countries. The primary objective of this study is to explore the perspectives of teachers working in Science and Art Centers in Ankara, Türkiye, regarding UDL. The study employs a phenomenological research design, a qualitative methodology, to capture participants' experiences and insights. Participants were selected using a combination of purposive sampling methods, specifically criterion sampling and snowball sampling. The study sample comprised teachers holding master’s and doctoral degrees. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 postgraduate-educated teachers who voluntarily participated in the research. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis techniques to identify emerging themes. Findings indicate that teachers associate the contributions of the UDL approach to teaching and learning processes with the concepts of "flexibility and diversity," "equity and accessibility," and "motivation." Furthermore, teachers recommended the UDL approach to their colleagues as a means to enhance student achievement. Additionally, they expressed consensus on the potential benefits of UDL for the education of gifted students.

 

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universal design for learning (UDL); science and art centre; teachers

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v12i3.5854

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