Motivational Needs Satisfaction and Universal Design for Learning

Background Universal design for learning (UDL) is widely accepted as beneficial to learning for all students, regardless of disability status. Psychological theories help us understand the mechanisms underlying these benefits. Self-determination theory (SDT) provides a theoretical basis for understanding why deep learning occurs when courses are designed following UDL guidelines. Objective The purpose of the present study was to utilize SDT as a model to examine whether UDL supports need satisfaction and, as a result, deep learning. Method Totally, 109 undergraduate students participated in an online survey, rating the presence of pedagogical practices in a selected course and their levels of satisfaction with psychological needs and deep learning with course materials and content. Results Results from the present study demonstrated that UDL has an indirect effect on deep learning through both autonomy satisfaction and competence satisfaction but not relatedness satisfaction. Conclusion SDT explains the psychological mechanisms underlying UDL and provides further evidence for the benefits of incorporating UDL into course design to increase deep learning for all students. Teaching Implications The present findings provide faculty with a better understanding of the mechanisms behind the benefits of UDL and support efforts to include the guidelines in course design.