Research Article Analysis #8

Article reference: Purpose of the study:

Katz, J. & Sokal, L. (2016). Universal Design for Learning
as a bridge to inclusion: A qualitative report of student
voices. International Journal of Whole Schooling, 12(2), 36-
63. Available from:
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1118092.pdf
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of
using the Three-Block Model (TBM) of Universal
Design in diverse learning environments with a focus on
student learning, academic self-concept and school
engagement.

Summarize the method in your own words. Draw a figurative representation.

This study involved a literature review as well as a
qualitative research study. Fifty-one teachers, from both
rural and urban school divisions in Manitoba participated in
this study. These teachers received five days of training on
the TBM before implementing the program into their own
classrooms. Teachers were provided with resource support
and a professional community group as they implemented
the program. A total of one hundred and one diverse
students, were randomly selected from the participating
classes to engage in pre and post implementation interviews.
The participants were from twenty-one different schools
ranging from grades one to twelve with varying cultural
backgrounds and learning needs.
List the outcomes in point form, underlining five key Write two questions you have about the research.
words.
1. What effects would this program have on the
This study suggests that the TBM is effective in meeting the social-emotional climate of the school as a
learning needs of diverse learners. Students discussed how whole, if implemented in every classroom?
the TBM had positive effects on them including:
 student achievement and engagement 2. This study was completed over a span of one
 the social-emotional climate year. What would the data show if a
 social interactions with others longitudinal study was done on these
 instructional design classrooms and schools after five years of the
 healthy self-concept TBM being used and implemented?
 well-being and resilience

Implications for change project

This study was conducted to examine the effects of the TBM in diverse leaning environments, including students with
and without disabilities, indigenous students and students with varying cultural backgrounds. The data revealed that
using the TBM had positive effects on the students’ academic and social-emotional learning. The first block of this
model is the program I choose to implement for my SRV implementation plan, Respecting Diversity (Katz, 2012). This
portion of the TBM focuses on students developing and understanding their strengths and challenges as learners as well
as respecting and accepting others. Results from this study, and others, has shown that this block has had a positive
effect on students’ self-concept, social engagement and sense of belonging. This supports my choice to implement this
program into diverse classroom to help students develop positive self-awareness, self-concept and respect for others that
will create a compassionate and accepting learning community in which all students feel they have a valued role.
Findings from this study also determined that the TBM is not meant to be one-time implementation, but an ongoing
program that help students in and outside the classroom.