During class, the professor showed a PowerPoint that was mostly pictures

with minimal words. With the lack of words, students can focus less on writing words
verbatim and focus more on what the professor says. This would be an example of
multiple means of expression by providing an option for executive functions. As she
explained the topic, she used her mouse on the computer to show the class
movements of bone growth or to identify a structure. Using pictures to
communicate knowledge is an example of multiple means of representation by
providing options for language and symbols through visuals. To show the students
how the joint of the hip operates, the professor brought in a pelvis bone and a femur
bone and displayed the articulation of the bones. As an example of multiple means
of representation, this visual allows students to see how the skeleton works as it
moves without the muscle or skin. Throughout the PowerPoint were x-ray pictures of
bones/medical problems with arrows pointing to key features that the professor
talked about. Since many students are pre-veterinary, they find looking at an x-ray
very practical in that its a necessary skill required for their future careers. By
keeping the students interested with relevant means of representation, using x-rays
is also a means of engagement under UDL. The professor also makes the
information more applicable to students by telling them a personal anecdote about
her daughter breaking a bone; this allows the students to connect and relate to the
information as well as to the professor which provides an option for recruiting
interest under multiple means of engagement. While lecturing, the professor
references previous material and uses it to build upon as a means of representation
by providing an option for comprehension. During the second observation, the
professor assigned students to questions that she handed out and encouraged
students to work with peers around them to find answers. By fostering collaboration

and communication, this group work is an example of multiple means of

engagement and provides an option for sustaining effort.
Throughout her lectures, the professor asks questions to the class that
require the students to think one step ahead and the students shout the answers
back to her. Its clear that the students feel comfortable and confident in the
learning environment of the classroom. This falls under the qualities of a good
teacher that were discussed in class. Also, the professor keeps the students
engaged during the lecture through visuals and learning games which keeps the
students interested, another quality of a good teacher. Through collaboration and
group work, discussion of the material is encouraged, which is another attribute of a
great teacher. An element of UDL that I found lacking in the professors lectures was
highlighting big ideas/key concepts. This could easily be done by adding a summary
slide at the end of her PowerPoint that addresses the key concepts she would like
the students to take away from the lecture. This way, students arent overwhelmed
with the amount of information and they can focus on the big picture.