Education - Introduction to UDL - Learning & Teaching with Variability in Mind - Micro-credential

This programme is aimed at but not exclusive to early childhood, primary and post-primary teachers/educators and teacher educators. The micro-credential explore the move away from thinking about learning, teaching and assessment in terms of ability and disability to thinking in terms of designing learning, teaching and assessment experiences from the mindset of variability. The course begins with developing an understanding of the concept of variability before exploring the key concepts of UDL. Through discussions, professional reflections on practice and the critical examination of a chose learning, teaching and assessment experience participant will develop a knowledge and understanding of the three principles of the UDL Guidelines and begin applying these principles to their practice.

Applicants should have a minimum 2.2 grade, honours (NFQ level 8) Bachelors degree in a relevant discipline or an equivalent international qualification.

Practitioners who do not hold a primary degree but who have significant relevant experience (in education, social care, health care, youth work, justice system) can apply
through Maynooth University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Further information on RPL can be found on the RPL website.

Applicants who wish to apply via RPL must submit a completed RPL form with their application. Click the following link to access a copy of the RPL application form.

Minimum English language requirements: For more information on the minimum English language requirements, please see link to Maynooth University's Micro-credentials Entry Requirements.

6 Weeks, Part-time.

The programme will be blended. Participants will attend two full in-person Saturday (September 21 and November 2, 2024) workshops in Maynooth University, and 5 2.5 hour online sessions on the following Thursday evenings:

26th of September
3rd of October
10th of October
17th of October
24th of October
31 of October-TBC

Internationally, education and other systems are showing growing interest in UDL with increasing evidence around its effectiveness in creating more inclusive classrooms across education sectors. As a result many human service sectors, including education, health care, and social work are interested in embedding a UDL approach to support inclusion into their organisations.

This micro-credential will provide applicants with a deep understanding of UDL and its impacts, and empower them to enact UDL and inclusive practices in the context of their particular sector and context.

Professionals with these skills, values, and knowledge-bases are increasingly in demand.

While this micro-credential is aimed at early childhood, primary and post-primary teachers/educators and teacher educators it is also suitable for policy makers, curriculum designers, teacher support services, further and higher education educators, and health and social care sectors. It will cater for new career entrants, mid-career professionals, and senior managers and leaders.