About
In this workshop, we will not only discuss UDL (universal design for learning) principles, but
rather experience classroom exercises where the participants (students) are immersed in
various ways to mathematically explore concepts and calculations and are then able
express their own preferences in UDL modalities. These exercises are adapted from ideas
from "Choosing to See: A Framework for Equity in the Math Classroom" by Pamela Seda and
Kyndall Brown.
This workshop starts as a historical look at Mendelian genetics and the infamous
experiments with pea plants. In the first exercise, we use the observed mutation rate as the
prior probability for calculations with the binomial distribution. In the second exercise, we
expand our calculations to approximations with the normal distributions.
Each exercise has participants split into groups for the jigsaw approach of active learning.
The groups are given various tools---calculator, computer programming code, art stencils, or
simulation apps---and present their approach to solving the calculations to their peers.
Through the pair of exercises, each participant is immersed in two of the modalities and
furthermore hears from their peers about the other approaches. Toward the end of the
workshop, each participant ranks their modality preferences, and will possibility feel more
optimistic and enthusiastic about solving mathematical tasks in their preferred modality.