Flexible Teaching

Flexible Teaching is More Accessible Teaching

 

Consider allowing 24 hours or a window of time for exam completion

A majority of accommodations involve extended time on assessments. This is usually (though not always) unnecessary when 24 hours are given to complete exams. See the Testing Accommodations guidelines for more information.

 

Consider flexible attendance and participation requirements

We encourage you to record your lectures to share with students who must miss class for health reasons. Check out the DIY Guide for Recording In-Person Lectures Links to an external site. and Technology & Access Guide Links to an external site. for support.

Consider asynchronous or non-speaking participation opportunities, like Bruin Learn discussion board posts or exit tickets. 

 

Provide learning materials ahead of time whenever possible

It's helpful to be able to follow along with lecture slides or notes, especially in electronic formats that allow for magnification or other accessibility adjustments. 

 

Consider alternative or flexible arrangements for assignments

In some cases, flexible teaching can involve alternative arrangements for assessment, such as choosing multiple means of submiting a culminating course project, that can account for the variety of different learning strategies and needs that students bring to a classroom. Consider implementing one or more of the alternatives outlined in the UCLA's Ideas and Recommendations for Alternative and Remote Assessments Links to an external site.

 

Ellie Morgan making art with beads. Instructor Guillermo Delgado stands at the desk she's working on. 

Art professor Guillermo Delgado at Michigan State University benefited immensely from working with blind student Ellie Morgan:

“I'm more the teacher I want to be because of my experience of working with Ellie. Our relationship allows me to flex and stretch my creative muscle by creating course goals that are accessible, inclusive, and humane.”

Photo: Michigan State University

 

 

 

 

Did you know?

Universal Design for Learning Links to an external site. (UDL) is a flexible pedagogical framework that honors learner variability. We offer regular workshops on UDL -- please join us for future events!


Module 2 Contents