Psychological Factors Influencing Universal Design for Learning: A Systematic Review on Inclusive Education

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31004/obsesi.v9i4.6933

Keywords:

Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Self Determination Theory (SDT), Early childhood education, Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction (BPNS)

Abstract

This systematic review explores the integration of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Self-Determination Theory - Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction (SDT-BPNS) in early childhood education. By analyzing 14 peer-reviewed articles from 2014 to 2024, this study identifies how UDL practices address relatedness, competence, and autonomy to enhance inclusive education. Findings reveal that collaborative learning environments and positive teacher-student relationships promote relatedness, especially when culturally adapted. Competence is enhanced through scaffolded learning, differentiated instruction, and teacher training programs, though limited resources and inadequate training remain challenges. Autonomy is supported by flexible, creative, and student-centered activities, but institutional constraints often limit its effectiveness. Integrating UDL with SDT-BPNS provides a comprehensive framework addressing both structural and psychological aspects of learning. This approach enhances motivation, engagement, and inclusivity by promoting emotional and cognitive well-being. However, cultural responsiveness, institutional support, and tailored training programs are essential for effective implementation. This review highlights the need for future research to explore long-term effects and develop culturally responsive UDL frameworks that incorporate SDT-BPNS principles.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Syeda Parsa Jarar, Faculty of Psychology, University of Indonesia

Master student.

Farida Kurniawati, Faculty of Psychology, University of Indonesia

Professor

References

Adaka, T. A., Adigun, O. T., Lalu, J., & Mngomezulu, T. P. (2022). Effect of mentorship on regular teachers’ selfefficacy towards implementation of inclusive education at basic education level. Specijalna Edukacija i Rehabilitacija, 21(4), 233–253. https://doi.org/10.5937/specedreh21-37192

Al-Azawei, A. (2016). Modelling E-Learning Adoption: The Influence of Learning Style and Universal Learning Theories.

Almumen, H. A. (2020). Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Across Cultures: The Application of UDL in Kuwaiti Inclusive Classrooms. SAGE Open, 10(4). https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244020969674

Almutairi, N., & Alsuwayl, A. (2023). Assessing the knowledge of elementary school teachers on universal design for learning in Saudi Arabia. Cogent Education, 10. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2270295

Alquraini, T., & Rao, S. (2018). Assessing teachers’ knowledge, readiness, and needs to implement Universal Design for Learning in classrooms in Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 24, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2018.1452298

Chen, D., & Dote-Kwan, J. (2021). Preschoolers With Visual Impairments and Additional Disabilities: Using Universal Design for Learning and Differentiation. Young Exceptional Children, 24(2), 70–81. https://doi.org/10.1177/1096250620922205

Chita-Tegmark, M., Gravel, J., Serpa, M., Domings, Y., & Rose, D. (2011). Using the Universal Design for Learning Framework to Support Culturally Diverse Learners. Journal of Education, 192, 17–22. https://doi.org/10.1177/002205741219200104

Dewey, J. (2024). Introduction: Dewey’s Vision in Democracy and Education (N. Tampio, Ed.; pp. xv–lvi). Columbia University Press. https://doi.org/doi:10.7312/dewe21010-003

Fundelius, E., Wade, T., Robbins, A., Wang, S., McConomy, M. A., & Fumero, K. (2023). Universal Design Principles for Multimodal Representation in Literacy Activities for Preschoolers. Inclusive Practices, 2(1), 13–21. https://doi.org/10.1177/27324745221140380

G. Coogle, C., Storie, S., & Rahn, N. L. (2022). A Framework for Promoting Access, Increasing Participation, and Providing Support in Early Childhood Classrooms. Early Childhood Education Journal, 50(5), 867–877. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-021-01200-6

Gauvreau, A. N., Lohmann, M. J., & Hovey, K. A. (2019). Using a Universal Design for Learning Framework to Provide Multiple Means of Representation in the Early Childhood Classroom. The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.58729/2167-3454.1083

Horn, E., Parks, S., & An, Z. (2019). Inclusive special education for young learners with severe and multiple disabilities. In Advances in Special Education (Vol. 34, pp. 119–137). Emerald Group Publishing Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0270-401320190000034008

Hovey, K., & Ferguson, S. (2014). TEACHER PERSPECTIVES AND EXPERIENCES: Using Project-Based Learning With Exceptional and Diverse Students. Curriculum & Teaching Dialogue, 16, 77–90.

Idris, F., Hassan, Z., Ya’acob, A., Gill, S., & Mohd Awal, N. (2012). The Role of Education in Shaping Youth’s National Identity. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 59, 443–450. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.09.299

Lambert, R., McNiff, A., Schuck, R., Imm, K., & Zimmerman, S. (2023). “UDL is a way of thinking”; theorizing UDL teacher knowledge, beliefs, and practices. Frontiers in Education, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1145293

Lindsay, G. (2003). Inclusive education: A critical perspective. British Journal of Special Education, 30, 3–12. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8527.00275

McGuire-Schwartz, M. E., & Arndt, J. S. (2007). Transforming universal design for learning in early childhood teacher education from college classroom to early childhood classroom. Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education, 28(2), 127–139. https://doi.org/10.1080/10901020701366707

McNamara, P. C., & and Lee, A. L. (n.d.). Increasing teacher confidence in using universal design for learning to support students’ developmental skills through teacher education at tier 1. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2024.2420105

Molloy, C., & and Farrell, R. (2024). Cultivating Positive Classroom Environments: Exploring the Efficacy of Immersive Technologies in Removing Barriers to Learning Among Primary School Students. Computers in the Schools, 41(2), 164–192. https://doi.org/10.1080/07380569.2024.2325441

Pikus, A. E., Etchison, H. M., Gerde, H. K., & Bingham, G. E. (2024). Nature for All: Utilizing the Universal Design Framework to Incorporate Nature-Based Learning Within an Early Childhood Inclusive Classroom. Teaching Exceptional Children. https://doi.org/10.1177/00400599241257438

Ríos-Reyes, C. A., Portilla-Mendoza, K. A., Carrillo-Hernández, Y. M., Díaz-Gutiérrez, S. L., Gutiérrez-Quintero, N. S., Castellanos-Alarcón, O. M., Alba-Pastor, C., & López-Alba, M. (2024). Inclusive teaching of palaeontology for people with and without disabilities through didactic workshops. International Journal of Inclusive Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2024.2349717

Rosati, N. (2021). Montessori Method and Universal Design for Learning: two methodologies in conjunction for inclusive early childhood education. Ricerche Di Pedagogia e Didattica, 16(2 Special Issue), 105–116. https://doi.org/10.6092/issn.1970-2221/12194

Sala-Bars, I., Mumbardó-Adam, C., & Adam-Alcocer, A. (2024). Moving towards preservice teachers’ implementation of universal design for learning: the central role of self-efficacy. Teachers and Teaching: Theory and Practice, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/13540602.2024.2308900

Tiwari, A., Das, A., & Sharma, M. (2015). Inclusive education a “rhetoric” or “reality”? Teachers’ perspectives and beliefs. Teaching and Teacher Education, 52, 128–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2015.09.002

Vitelli, E. (2015). Universal Design for Learning: Are We Teaching It to Preservice General Education Teachers? Journal of Special Education Technology, 30, 166–178. https://doi.org/10.1177/0162643415618931

You, S., Kim, E., & Shin, K. (2019). Teachers’ Belief and Efficacy Toward Inclusive Education in Early Childhood Settings in Korea. Sustainability, 11, 1489. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11051489

Downloads

Published

20-04-2025

How to Cite

Jarar, S. P., & Kurniawati, F. (2025). Psychological Factors Influencing Universal Design for Learning: A Systematic Review on Inclusive Education. Jurnal Obsesi : Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 9(4), 1069–1076. https://doi.org/10.31004/obsesi.v9i4.6933

Issue

Section

Articles