Data highlighted in CAST’s Evidence and Benefits archives reveals a striking correlation between UDL training and student success. A foundational study involving East Carolina University demonstrated that students supported by UDL-trained tutors achieved pass rates between 90–100%. This success is often attributed to "social proximity"—the fact that TAs still remember the "struggle" of learning the material, which helps them avoid the "Expert's Blind Spot" often found in senior faculty.
Because TAs are closer to the initial learning experience, they are often more effective at applying the Engagement pillar of UDL than seasoned professors.
For Discussion:
- Why might a TA’s memory of their own academic "struggle" make them a more effective inclusive educator?
- How can peer leaders leverage their "social proximity" to make content feel more authentic and relevant to struggling students?
- Should UDL training be a mandatory requirement for all collegiate tutors, given the high pass rates associated with the framework?
