Current Research and Evaluation in Inclusive Learning Around the World: Early Childhood Classrooms in China
Abstract: To develop an understanding of Universal Design for Learning in Chinese early childhood classrooms, there will be a brief tracing of the intertwining of Chinese education history and Confucius philosophy that informed Chinese education. Change occurred when Confucius’ teachings were read more thoroughly and his words were listened to rather than relying on interpretations. It became evident that Confucius set the stage for the principles of UDL in Chinese education. The Chinese Ministry of education drafted reforms of teaching practices in 2011 influenced by these ideas. Twenty teachers in current early childhood classrooms in China who have taught for ten or more years participated in this study. Interesting principles and uses of UDL were identified even though the language of UDL is not recognized. In this symposium researchers will share their findings of how UDL is identified and used in Chinese early childhood classrooms.