Overview

This lesson will focus specifically on multiple means of action and expression. Again, we'll cover what it is, how it supports people with disabilities, and examples of it in practice.

Core Concepts

Multiple Means of Action & Expression: The "How" of Learning

This aspect of UDL stresses allowing students to demonstrate their learning in different ways. When it comes time for our students to demonstrate their understanding, certain approaches will benefit some and not others. Allowing a variety of assessment strategies can help in allowing students different ways to demonstrate their understanding. The likelihood of a class using only one form of assessment is rare, so it's likely that most instructors are already implementing this principle as they combine quizzes, discussions, writing, etc. to assess how well students are learning the material.

Another aspect of this principle is also allowing flexibility in navigation and how people access content. This is quite relevant as we're seeing more and attention being paid to ensuring that websites and applications are mobile friendly so that folks can use devices, and not a computer alone, to visit and use websites.

Additionally, it can mean not locking down content for forcing people to move through in a single way. Some of us benefit from being able to see and browse the content as a whole to mentally prepare for what we'll encounter in the future and have the larger context in mind while moving through the lessons.

How this addresses accessibility:

Completing certain types of activities will be easier or more challenging depending on the student. If a course was discussion based with a large class cap, this may be difficult or cumbersome for a blind student trying to navigate a lengthy discussion with a screenreader.

If a course was multiple choice test based, it may disadvantage a student with a learning disorder or someone for which the timer causes more anxiety.

Students who may be experiencing a temporary disability that limits their ability to type might appreciate being able to submit an audio recording instead. (Training voice dictation tools can take time.)

Application of Multiple Means of Action/Expression

Instructional Example

For Jess (the lead on this training), applying this principle was one of the most rewarding experiences. Here's how she describes why and how she employed this principle and what the results were:

"For me, teaching two sections of SOC 101 most terms meant 80 students submitting the exact same assignment at the same time (AKA My. Grading. Nightmare.). I hit a point where I was tired of grading the same paper over and over and over, and students complained about writing papers.

As I was learning more and more about UDL, I decided to take a risk and told them not to write a paper, but I didn't tell them what to do instead (well... I begged for interpretive dances).

I gave them a list of objectives - skills I needed to be able to witness - and then told them to pick their own format. Yes, I was nervous this would blow up in my face.

And yes, I was blown away. Students submitted stop-action animation films, music videos, websites, interactive paintings, and yes, papers. I was amazed at the things my students submitted, and I was energized by the level of their engagement, motivation, and pride in their work (some were even posting photos of their project to Facebook! -- something they would have never done with their papers). It was the best decision I ever made as a teacher."

Non-Instructional Example

When it comes to applying this principle to areas outside of instruction, think about the ways in which people have to navigate to find your content or information. Can they only receive information if they come to your office or is it also available online? If it's available online is the content/site mobile friendly? Will the application it time out, posing a barrier for folks using assistive tech who may need more time? Is the navigation on your website consistent across pages, with "breadcrumbs" along the top that allow people to see how they reached the page they're currently on? These are some questions to think about when it comes to how people access your information.

Another thing to think about when it comes to action and expression is the options available for communication and interaction. For someone who is Deaf, hard of hearing, has a speech impairment or anxiety, speaking on the phone or approaching someone at a desk might not be the ideal method of communication, but email or online chat might. Whereas, for someone who is blind, or has trouble typing a phone call could be a great option. Think about the ways in which your office allows people to interact with and contact you. Building in flexibility not only benefits people with disabilities, but people who may not be able to visit your office during business hours or are in a noisy location and cannot make a phone call.

Check Your Understanding:

Which of following is the best example of multiple means of action and expression?

A. Andre is teaching a class on botany and decides to supplement the textbook graphics by having students bring in a live plant of their choice.

Incorrect.
It's a cool idea to have students bring in plants, but while they have choice in what plant to bring in, they're all being required to do the same task (locate, possibly buy, and bring in a plant). To make this a stronger example Andre could expand the activity to include write or present on the plant they selected -- as that would bring in flexibility around how the student demonstrates their learning.

B. The Career Center offers job fairs every third Friday of the month. Different employers are brought in and students can speak to whomever they'd like if they attend.

Incorrect.
This is not a good example of multiple means of action and expression as there's only one way to participate: attend the event in person.

C. The math and science division has decided to bring in professionals working in the STEM fields. They've planned a half day event where each professional will share a bit about their work then field questions. In addition to hosting the event on campus, they're also streaming it online for folks who cannot attend. Online attendees will be able to ask questions using an online chat tool.

Correct.

Video Supplements

UDL Examples of Multiple Means of Action and Expression (3 min)

An instructor sharing how she employs multiple means of action and expression in her class.

Examples of Multiple Means of Action and Expression

Additional Resources

CAST UDL Guidelines: Action and Expression - This particular page from the UDL Guidelines highlights a selection of checkpoints for applying this UDL principle. If you select a checkpoint you'll be taken to a page that summarizes its significance and outlines strategies for applying it.