Universal Design for Learning in the Classroom: Teachers' Perceptions of the Universe of Words

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55777/rea.v18i36.7507

Keywords:

Universe of Words, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Attention to Diversity, Active Metodologies

Abstract

The methodological revolution is a reality that affects teachers in all 21st-century schools. Therefore, this study analyses the "Universe of Words" methodology by evaluating its alignment with the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Early Years and Primary Education. The "Universe of Words" is a methodology based on global projects organised around key words and learning categories linked to the Early Years and Primary curriculum. The aim is to determine whether this methodology adequately addresses student diversity. The research is conducted in Spain and adopts a qualitative approach, with interviews conducted with four teachers implementing this methodology in different educational centres, as well as other indirect participants such as the authors of the methodology, educational professionals, and families of pupils who have experienced this model in their schools. The results indicate that teachers consider the methodology to be motivating and holistic, although not all describe it as inclusive. Nevertheless, it is notable that pupils take an active role in their learning, which reinforces the UDL approach. In addition, teachers value the flexibility of the methodology and its capacity to adapt activities to different levels, although some resources are criticised as being impractical for Early Years pupils. 

 

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Author Biographies

Carla Montón Jiménez, Universidad de Zaragoza, España

Master's degree in Early Childhood and Primary Education. She received the Extraordinary End of Degree Award for her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Zaragoza. She specialises in Music and Hearing and Language, and has a Master's degree in Advanced Studies in Language, Communication and their Pathologies. Her career as a nursery school teacher has focused on teaching in different Rural Grouping Centres in Aragon. She currently teaches a multi-grade class at the CRA Bronchales-Orihuela (Teruel), coordinating this stage at the same centre.

Mireya Mallén Berdejo, Universidad de Zaragoza, España

Master's degree in Early Childhood and Primary Education. She is currently working on her doctoral thesis at the Faculty of Humanities and Education at the University of Zaragoza, where she is also a member of the Education and Diversity Research Group. Her work focuses on transferring research findings to educational centres, using technology as a teaching resource, and addressing diversity in the classroom. Her goal is to contribute to a more inclusive and innovative education, linking theory and teaching practice.

Alberto Quílez Robles, Universidad de Zaragoza, España

Doctor of Education, Graduate in Primary Education Teaching and Graduate in Psychology specialising in Neuropsychology and Education. He is also Director of the Department of Education Sciences at the University of Zaragoza, Director of the University Expert in High Abilities and Director of the Caja Rural de Teruel-Fundación Tervalis Chair. Author of around a hundred publications, he is a regular speaker at conferences and seminars. His lines of research focus on academic performance, the variables that influence learning, and the study of intelligence and talent.

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PORTADA_VOLUMEN 18, NÚMERO 36

Published

2025-10-22

How to Cite

Montón Jiménez, C., Mallén Berdejo, M., & Quílez Robles, A. (2025). Universal Design for Learning in the Classroom: Teachers’ Perceptions of the Universe of Words. Journal of Learning Styles, 18(36), 160–175. https://doi.org/10.55777/rea.v18i36.7507

Issue

Section

THEMATIC RESEARCH ARTICLES. Volume 18, Number 36 (October, 2025)_Universal Design for Learning as a measure of attention to diversity.