In this post you will find:

• An explanation of what an instructional routine is
• A way to enhance your instructional routines using a UDL lens

The more you plan with UDL the more you realise that quality pedagogy is the first step. A UDL lens can be placed over any type of pedagogy but the pedagogy needs to fit the learning goal and the nature of the learning area being taught.

But one thing I have come to realise is that UDL instruction is about instructional routines. Quality, efficient and reliable instruction routines become the foundation to any lesson that implements UDL principles and check points.

Predictable and repeatable routines support our learners by minimising threats, freeing up space for working memory and providing multiple opportunities to interact with the learning. 

Instructional Routines

An instructional routine is a short, repeatable, familiar yet adaptable routine that is based on a sequence of consistent steps and actionable behaviours for the learner such as discussion. They allow both the teacher and learners to focus on the learning rather than the structure in which the learning takes place. The steps or routine stays the same but it can be adapted for challenge, context and action and expression. For this reason they are a great tool to support all learners.

Instructional Routines Can Be Used Throughout Learning Experiences

Instructional routines can be used in any part of your lesson such as opening the lesson to build prior knowledge, review content from the previous lesson or ensure learners understand the learning goal. During the lesson through thinking routines, group work or connecting new information to prior knowledge. They can also be used at the end of the lesson to review the learning. 

Embedded Formative Assessment

Formative assessment naturally is embedded in instructional routine because of the nature of the actionable expectations from the learner. Because they allow learners to focus on the learning, they allow for deeper and richer conversations from learners therefore providing deeper and richer evidence of learning for teachers.

Promoting Expert Learners 

Instructional routines support our learner to develop good thinking habits. They provide supports and structures for our learners to guide their thinking. Over time these routines become habits for our learners and a tool they can use to solve problems and acquire new information.

A UDL Lens

Instructional routines can then be enhanced by using a UDL lens. When we already look into instructional routines, we can see a number of guidelines and checkpoint already embedded in them but we can enhance them by considering:

• How challenge can be used
• How relevance can be included
• How we display the routine or supporting information
• How learners can use options in how to engage with the information
• How learners can demonstrate their thinking

What instructional routines do you already use in your classrooms and what is one thing you could do to enhance it?

Until next time,

Happy educating,

Sam 

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