Welcome to the Modern Classrooms Project Podcast. Each week we bring you discussions with educators on how they use blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning to better serve their learners. In this episode, Devin Shrock, an instructional coach and advocate for Universal Design for Learning (UDL), to discuss the seamless integration of UDL principles with the Modern Classroom Project model.

Devin emphasizes the importance of a gradual release structure when working with younger students and shares how the Modern Classrooms model provides a structured routine that gradually evolves to give students more agency and choice.

Here are the key takeaways from this podcast:

• Blended Learning Enhances Access: Devin highlights that blended learning, a core component of the model, naturally aligns with UDL principles. It allows students to replay videos, pause, or skip ahead, providing individualized learning paths and catering to diverse needs. Devin mentions, "Students can replay videos when they need to, they can pause the video, they can skip ahead... that caters to learners' needs."

• "Would You Rather" Supports UDL: The component of the model that allows for student voice and choice, where students choose their learning pathway, aligns with UDL's emphasis on providing options for engagement and expression. It empowers students to make choices about their learning, fostering engagement. As Devin notes, "Even just having those 'Would You Rather' options... maybe that's helpful for more than one person in the room."

• Time as a Pathway to Learning: Devin underscores the importance of allowing students to take the time they need to grasp concepts. The Modern Classrooms’ self-pacing feature resonates with UDL's aim to offer various pathways for learning, ensuring students aren't rushed. Devin points out, "Nobody likes to be rushed as a learner... that space to think about what you're learning... that's what we hope for for our students."

Discussion questions for PLC and PD: 

• How can the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) be effectively integrated into your current classroom practices, especially in terms of providing diverse pathways for students to access content and demonstrate their understanding?

• Reflecting on the "Would You Rather" approach discussed in the podcast, how might you adapt or implement a similar choice-driven model in your classroom to enhance student engagement and foster a sense of ownership over their learning journey?

• Considering the importance of self-pacing and allowing students the time they need to learn, how can you shift your teaching approach to accommodate students' varying learning speeds while maintaining a productive learning environment for all? What strategies or tools could you use to achieve this balance?

Our Host

Zach Diamond studied Music History and Theory at Oberlin College and received a Masters of Music in Music Education from Boston University. He taught music for five years in Lima, Peru, and is currently a Middle School music teacher at DC International School, a language-immersion school where he teaches in Spanish. He began implementing the Modern Classrooms Model in the 19-20 School Year and enthusiastically continues his work with the organization as a mentor and podcast producer.

Our Guest: Devin Shrock

Connecting with Devin: Email at devin.schrock@modernclassrooms.org

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