Universal Design for Learning (UDL): A Contemporary Approach to Professional Flight Instruction

Abstract

Verbatim from Embry-Riddle Scholarly Commons. Not paraphrased, not summarized.

In the United States, an increasing number of aspiring commercial airline pilots are teaching as Certificated Flight Instructors, presumably to reach the minimum required flight hours and move into airline flight operations. High-quality training is the foundation of a high-quality globalized aviation workforce, yet there has been a persistent lack of systemic in-depth guidance surrounding how instructors are taught how to teach aviation subject matter, justifying the need for incorporating the use of evidence-based and promising practices from education fields into flight instruction. In this conceptual article, we outline the integral components and the research basis of the universal design for learning (UDL) framework. We then provide three adapted UDL tools and recommendations for utilizing UDL during ground and flight instruction. The broader impact of teaching flight instructors how to use the UDL framework includes the potential to improve retention rates, reduce flight training hours, and lead to strong knowledge and skills for both instructors and students.

Authors

• Whitford, Denise K., Ph.D., CFI/CFII Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Wulle, Bernard W., Ph.D., CFI/CFII/ATP Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Fala, Nicoletta, Ph.D., CFI/CFII Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords

• universal design for learning
• UDL
• flight instruction
• lesson planning
• tools
• Adult and Continuing Education
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Methods