Making Sense of Language & Symbols in the Classroom - E126

This week, we are chatting about how to help students to make the most sense of language and symbols in the classroom. Using the UDL (Universal Design for Learning) framework and representation pillar, we are exploring ways to provide support and reduce barriers to language and symbols.If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!Featured Content**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/126**CAST.org - Universal Design for Learning (UDL) frameworkRepresentation pillar - Language and Symbols guidelineAvoid single forms of representationCheckpoint #1: Clarify vocabulary and symbolsEveryday vs academic languageShorthand notationStart a class crowdsourced glossaryBeware of idiomsPre-teach vocabulary and symbolsEmbed vocabulary and symbols through hyperlinksPractice Sets in Google ClassroomCheckpoint #2: Clarify syntax & structureCombining symbols and words change contextMake it explicit!Checkpoint #3: Support decoding of text, mathematical notation, and symbolsText-to-speechNot everyone reads with fluency and comprehensionDecoding increases cognitive load, uses working memoryScaffold skills - lab reportsAudio paired with textCheckpoint #4: Promote understanding across languagesMake resources available in other languagesAllow the use of first languagesGoogle Translate - doesn't always translate 100% but is useful for key conceptsMulti-lingual glossaries - use pre-made or make one with your classMultiple modalitiesCheckpoint #5: Illustrate through multiple mediaText is not always the best - use alternatives to supportImages, simulations, video, graphs, etcVery useful for complex conceptsKey Takeaway: Don't just use text, include multiple representations to best support learnersSupport the Show.Connect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show