September 2022 – Present
Study Title: Student perceptions of universal design for learning in practice-based social work education: Promoting inclusive and anti-ableist pedagogy
Funding: Teaching Enhancement through Scholarly Inquiry (TESI) Program, Memorial University
Research Coordinators:
- Rose C. B. Singh, MSW, PhD Candidate (Social Work, Memorial University), RSW
- Simon Adu-Boateng, BEd, MEd, PhD Candidate (Education, Memorial University)
- Jordan Hollahan, BA, MA, PhD Student (Archaeology, Memorial University)
Collaborators:
- Dr. Tracy Smith-Carrier, Associate Professor, Canada Research Chair, Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Lynsey Soper-Thistle, Field Education Coordinator, School of Social Work, Memorial University
About the Study:
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework aimed at enhancing access and opportunities for student learning by shifting from deficit-based interventions to holistic, student-centered, accessible, collaborative, and inclusive learning models. This approach addresses social and organizational barriers faced by students with disabilities, reducing the need for self-disclosure for accommodations. It fosters inclusivity in social work education, aligning with equity and inclusion values. Despite the clear synergy between UDL and social work principles, there is limited research on their intersection. This study aims to bridge the gap by exploring the impact of UDL strategies on student participation, engagement, learning outcomes, and classroom culture in practice-based social work education.
The objectives of our multi-phase case study are to describe, interpret, and evaluate students’ learning outcomes and experiences in a UDL-oriented practice-based course. We are collecting four primary means of data to achieve these objectives: demographic questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, teaching observations, and document analysis.
Progress: We are currently engaged in data analysis.
Anticipated Results: Summer 2024!
Publications Related to Universal Design for Learning by Team Members
Goulden, A., Singh, R., & Smith Carrier, T. (2023). Incorporating universal instructional design in social work education: A practical application. Journal of Social Work Education, 1-10.
Smith Carrier, T., Goulden, A., Singh, R. (2021). Implementing universal design for learning in social work education: A strengths perspective. In F. Fovet (Editor), Handbook of Research on Applying Universal Design for Learning Across Disciplines: Concepts, Case Studies, and Practical Implementation. IGI Global.
Adu-Boateng, S., & Goodnough, K. (2021). Examining a science teacher’s instructional practices in the adoption of inclusive pedagogy: A qualitative case study. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 33(2), 1–23.
Presentations Related to Universal Design for Learning by Team Members
1 Goulden, A., Singh, R. & Smith-Carrier, T. (2023, May). Social justice approach to implementing universal design for learning in social work education (oral paper). Canadian Association for Social Work Education. Toronto, Ontario.
2 Goulden, A. (2019, October). Universal instructional design in social work education: Linking social justice initiatives (oral paper). Council on Social Work Education. Denver, Colorado.