Towards a more inclusive Higher Education through Universal Design for Learning

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5902/1984686X93377

Keywords:

Inclusive Education, Universal Design for Learning, University Teacher Training

Abstract

Faced with the current challenges of including a diversity of students in higher education, scientific literature has highlighted the need for teacher training in inclusive approaches such as Universal Design for Learning. This approach includes principles and strategies based on scientific evidence, aimed at reducing barriers to learning for all students. This qualitative pilot study aims to explore teaching strategies and practices considering the Universal Design for Learning framework, as well as university teacher training in this field, created for this purpose. Of the eight trainees, six agreed to be interviewed. The data was analysed using Content Analysis. The results point to strategies and practices aligned with Universal Design for Learning, as well as the need for pedagogical innovation. The effects of participation in the training were considered positive, and aspects were identified for the design of teacher training in favour of more inclusive higher education.

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Author Biographies

Marisa Alexandra Maia Machado, Universidade de Aveiro

Investigadora no Centro de Investigação em Didática e Tecnologia na Formação de Formadores (CIDTFF), Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal. 

Doutoranda do Programa Doutoral em Educação, ramo Diversidade e Educação Especial, na Universidade de Aveiro.

Docente de Matemática e de Ciências Naturais do 2º ciclo do ensino básico.

 

Paula Santos, Universidade de Aveiro

Associate Professor at the Education and Psychology Department, at the University of Aveiro;
Researcher at the Research Centre on Didactics and Technology in the Education of Trainers - CIDTFF (https://www.ua.pt/cidtff/home);
Member of the Coordinating Board of the CIDTFF (https://www.ua.pt/cidtff/home);
Member of the Board of the National (Portuguese) Early Childhood Intervention Association (http://anip.net/) ;
Member of the Board of CIDInE - Centro de Investigação, Difusão e Intervenção Educacional (Center for Research, Dissemination and Educational Intervention);
Member of EURLYAID - the European Association on Early Childhood Intervention (http://www.eurlyaid.eu/).

Main scientific domains: Special / Inclusive Education; Early Childhood Intervention (ECI); Early Childhood Education; Digital Technology & Competence.

Anabel Moriña, Universidad de Sevilla

Phd in Inclusive Education

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Published

2025-12-19

How to Cite

Machado, M. A. M., Santos, P., & Moriña, A. (2025). Towards a more inclusive Higher Education through Universal Design for Learning. Special Education Magazine, 38(1), e85/01–24. https://doi.org/10.5902/1984686X93377

Issue

Section

Dossiê – Desenho universal para aprendizagem (DUA): da teoria à prática em múltiplos contextos

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