Exploring instructors' approaches to Universal Design for Learning through revealed causal mapping*

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework that supports instructors in designing inclusive learning environments that anticipate and plan for variations in students' needs, abilities, and interests. UDL-aligned instructional design may reduce the need for accommodations for some students with disabilities. In this study, we explore postsecondary physics instructors' approaches to adapting their teaching and learning environment while engaged in a year-long UDL learning community. Revealed causal mapping (RCM) is an analytic technique that uncovers experts' mental maps about their subject domain. We employ RCM to value instructors' knowledge and experiences and identify motivations and goals of the learning community members as they select, implement, and reflect on aligning their instructional practices with the UDL guidelines.