ERASMUS+ Course
Course Overview
Inclusive education is not about changing the learners—it’s about changing the environment. This course empowers educators to design learning experiences that reach every student by embracing the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Aligned with European priorities for equity, inclusion, and digital transformation, this course supports teachers and schools in building flexible learning environments where all learners can thrive, regardless of background, language, or ability.
Through a mix of hands-on workshops, reflection, and collaborative design, teachers will explore practical strategies to make learning more accessible, engaging, and meaningful. By focusing on the ‘why,’ ‘what,’ and ‘how’ of learning, educators will leave with a toolkit to design lessons that celebrate learner variability and promote independence, agency, and joy.
“When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.” — Alexander Den Heijer
Learning Outcomes
After the course, participants will be able to:
- •Understand and apply the three core principles of Universal Design for Learning (engagement, representation, and action & expression).
- •Design lessons that reduce barriers and offer multiple means of access, engagement, and demonstration of learning.
- •Use digital tools and accessible materials to support diverse learners, including those with special educational needs or language barriers.
- •Develop strategies for differentiation, scaffolding, and flexible grouping aligned with UDL principles.
- •Promote learner agency, motivation, and self-regulation through inclusive teaching approaches.
- •Collaborate and share best practices to build inclusive, equitable, and learner-centered classrooms.
- •Strengthen intercultural competence and communication skills through collaborative work with peers from across Europe.
Teaching & Learning Methods
All our methods are designed to be highly interactive and hands-on, ensuring a practical and engaging learning experience.
- •Collaborative Workshops: Hands-on group sessions that model UDL principles through experiential learning.
- •Case Studies and Reflection: Analyze real classroom scenarios and reflect on inclusive teaching practices.
- •Technology Integration: Use accessible digital tools to promote engagement and representation for all learners.
- •Practical Lesson Design: Create adaptable lesson plans that reflect diversity and learner agency.
- •Peer Feedback and Coaching: Collaborate with other educators to share experiences and refine teaching strategies.
EU Competence Frameworks
This course aligns with key EU competence frameworks:
- •European Key Competences for Lifelong Learning: personal, social, and learning competence; cultural awareness and expression; and digital competence.
- •European Education Area 2025: promoting inclusive and high-quality education for all learners.
- •Council Recommendation on Key Competences (2018): supporting active citizenship, equality, and lifelong learning.
- •DigCompEdu (Digital Competence Framework for Educators): developing digital skills to foster inclusive, accessible learning.
- •European Pillar of Social Rights: ensuring equitable access to quality and inclusive education.
Erasmus+ Priorities
This course equips participants with skills that respond directly to key Erasmus+ priorities:
- •Inclusion and Diversity: Building capacity to create classrooms that respect learner variability and promote equity for all students.
- •Digital Transformation: Leveraging digital tools to design flexible, accessible, and universally designed lessons.
- •Teacher Professional Development: Enhancing teacher confidence and reflective practice through UDL implementation.
- •Social and Emotional Learning: Integrating empathy, belonging, and motivation into inclusive classroom design.
- •Sustainability and Resilience: Encouraging long-term, system-wide inclusion strategies for future-ready education.
COURSE MODULES & SCHEDULE
DAY 1 – Understanding Learner Variability
Module 01 – Rethinking Inclusion Through UDL
Explore the concept of learner variability and understand how UDL shifts the focus from the learner to the learning environment.
Module 02 – The Why, What, and How of Learning
Examine the UDL framework and its three principles—engagement, representation, and action & expression—and connect them to classroom practice.
Orientation Walk with a Local Guide (optional, complimentary)
A short post-class city walk for orientation and networking.
Voluntary, no fee, separate from the course, and not counted in Erasmus+ hours or outcomes.
DAY 2 – Designing for Engagement
Module 03 – Multiple Means of Engagement: Motivating Every Learner
Learn how to build intrinsic motivation by offering choice, relevance, and authentic learning opportunities.
Module 04 – The Role of Emotion and Belonging in Learning
Explore how emotional connection, community, and psychological safety foster engagement for all learners.
DAY 3 – Representation and Accessibility
Module 05 – Multiple Means of Representation: Making Learning Visible
Use visuals, multimedia, and scaffolding techniques to ensure every learner can access key concepts.
Module 06 – Accessibility and Digital Tools for UDL
Explore apps and platforms that support inclusive learning, from translation tools to assistive technologies.
DAY 4 – Expression and Assessment
Module 07 – Multiple Means of Action and Expression: Empowering Student Voice
Encourage diverse ways for students to demonstrate what they know—through writing, speaking, drawing, coding, or creating.
Module 08 – Formative Assessment and Feedback in a UDL Classroom
Learn how to use flexible assessment strategies and continuous feedback to support growth and self-reflection.
DAY 5 – Designing the Inclusive Classroom
Module 09 – Designing Your Own UDL Lesson Plan
Apply everything learned to create an inclusive, flexible lesson plan ready to implement in your classroom.
Module 10 – Reflection, Sharing, and Action Planning
Share your designs, gather feedback, and set personal goals for applying UDL principles in your school community.
Final Reflection
Action Plan • Certificates & Farewell