PEDAGOGICAL PRACTICE FOR TEACHING ATHLETICS: INCLUSION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES IN THE LIGHT OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING

Abstract

Universal Design for Learning is a theoretical approach that considers school diversity and seeks to eliminate learning barriers, promoting accessible and consistent teaching for all. This approach can overcome traditional, teacher-centered pedagogical practices, which hinder the implementation of inclusive and teaching-learning processes for students with disabilities in Physical Education classes. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze the inclusive process of students with disabilities in Physical Education classes, using the pedagogical approach based on the Universal Design for Learning in teaching athletics. This research has a qualitative approach and action research design and was developed with a 6th-year elementary school class that included four students with intellectual disabilities. Twenty classes were taught to teach athletics using the principles of Universal Design for Learning. These classes were recorded in a field diary and analyzed using Qualitative Descriptive Analysis. Regarding the results, the students with disabilities were included in Physical Education classes, able to access the curriculum in a diversified way, remained in courses due to variations on the paths relating to bodily practices, and had the teaching-learning process carried out through variant ways to demonstrate appropriate knowledge. Concerning the students without disabilities, the Universal Design for Learning contributed to the teaching-learning process, providing autonomy in the engagement and development of activities.

Received: 2024/07/12

Reformulated: 2024/9/27

Accepted: 2024/09/28