Universal Design for Learning, Part Two
This month we continue our series on Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Originating in the world of architecture, universal design has plenty to tell us when it comes to optimizing learning in our classrooms by including ALL of our learners. While this series is mainly geared toward Catechism instruction, UDL has applications in classrooms with adult learners as well. The author of the series is Paul Waldschmidt.

Professor Paul Waldschmidt, a 1999 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, teaches Education and Old Testament at the seminary. He previously served congregations in Normal, Illinois, and Hartford, Wisconsin. He also serves as the current editor of the Teach the Word newsletter.

They never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. — Acts 5:42
Adult Education: Additum
Good Teaching?

“Isn’t UDL just a natural component of good teaching?” UDL is a component of good teaching, but it doesn’t just happen naturally! It’s an intentional approach to lesson design framework that requires forethought and strategy. That UDL myth and others are debunked in the accompanying infographic from UDL expert Katie Novak. The infographic and Dr. Novak’s accompanying blog post can be found here.
Teaching Toolbox
WELS Education Conference

This summer brings with it a unique opportunity for a deep dive into all things education at the WELS Education Conference. Regardless of whether you’re a full-time educator or someone who only semi-regularly finds yourself in front of students, the conference will provide you with the opportunity to grow in your craft. The conference is mentioned specifically in this issue of Teach the Word, not only because registration is now open but also because MLC professor and UDL expert Dr. Kari Muente will be presenting a workshop on Universal Design for Learning. There are many other compelling keynotes and workshops planned as well. The conference is June 20–22 in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. More information can be found here, along with a link to register.
Curriculum Connection

According to research from the American Worldview Inventory 2021 from the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, even out of the 6% of professing Christian adults who hold a biblical worldview, a significant minority still harbor traces of unbiblical ideas, such as "God just wants me to be happy" or "God has grown softer on sin." The all-new Bible study 10 Lies About God directly addresses many of these false notions with loving, Bible-based corrections. The study includes ten lessons to help participants examine each false teaching and defend what the Bible says.

See a sample of 10 Lies About God

Learn more and order 10 Lies About God


Teaching Tip

Formative Assessment expert Dylan William says that educators need less table tennis and more basketball in their classrooms. By “table tennis” he means the back and forth that exists between teacher and students. The teacher initiates by asking the question, a student responds, the teacher evaluates the answer (I-R-E).
 
Can you see how “basketball” teaching might be different? The teacher passes the question to one student and then the conversation is passed to another student who builds off that answer and then the conversation is passed to still another student who builds off that answer. “I’ll ask you a question. Then I’ll ask (another student) what you think of his answer. Then I’ll go to (another student) for an explanation.” William refers to the teaching strategy as Pose (ask the question), Pause (wait for a bit), Pounce (call on one student), Bounce (send the conversation to another student). It’s a way to encourage student voice and to curb the temptation for the teacher to jump in too quickly and explain everything. This short video shows William explaining the strategy and others that can help remedy I-R-E.
 Teach the Word is a collaboration of Northwestern Publishing House,
Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, and WELS Discipleship.