This week I explored Intersectionality and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Kimberlé Crenshaw (2018), states that Intersectionality is a metaphor for understanding the ways that multiple forms of inequality can compound together, creating disadvantages. As an educator, it is important to be aware of Intersectionality and planning through UDL is critical to represent and meet the needs of all learners. UDL is a framework to design high quality learning experiences while also considering the needs of diverse learners. Check out my graphic below, which illustrates the life of a learner when reflecting on Intersectionality and how inequalities can be on the minds of all learners at school.
In the Life of a Learner by Jenna DeVoursney
I created the graphic, In the Life of a Leaner, because I wanted to illustrate the many different forms of inequality students face on a daily basis. While the student shown above represents varying components of identity including gender, race, socioeconomic status, religion, Emergent Bilingual, and a learning disability, students can face many components of inequality compounded together. Unfortunately, inequalities can be distracting to learners and take away from their learning, which is why UDL is essential for planning. As an educator, UDL provides teachers with a framework for planning lessons that provide a variety of learning options for all learners to create high quality learning experiences. I want educators to be reflective of this graphic because the students in front of us face inequalities everyday. Therefore, it is our job to be aware of Intersectionality and provide high quality learning experiences by planning with UDL in mind at all times. Interested in learning more about Intersectionality? Check out Kimberlé Crenshaw’s TED Talk, Kimberle Crenshaw: The Urgency of Intersectionality.
References:
Crenshaw K. (2018). What is Intersectionality?. [video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViDtnfQ9FHc DeVoursney J. (2020). In the Life of a Learner. [image]. Canva. TED. (2016). Kimberlé Crenshaw: The urgency of intersectionality [Video]. TED Talk. https://www.ted.com/talks/kimberle_crenshaw_the_urgency_of_intersectionality?language=en Comments are closed.
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