Designing for All: How Universal Design for Learning and Bilingual Supports Promote Engagement in High School Physical Education
Item
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Title
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Designing for All: How Universal Design for Learning and Bilingual Supports Promote Engagement in High School Physical Education
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Creator
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Johnny Martinez-Isaac
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Degree Name
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Master of Arts in Teaching (initial licensure)
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Project Type
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Action Research Project
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Date
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6/15/2025
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Abstract
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This action research project explored how using Spanish instruction alongside English in a high school physical education setting impacts participation and engagement for Spanish-speaking English Language Learners (ELLs). Rooted in the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, the study aimed to create a more inclusive learning environment that supports language access and builds community through Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT). Data was collected over two weeks using a student survey, informal interviews, teacher observations, and lesson reflections. A key focus was comparing student engagement before and after introducing bilingual instructions. The study used qualitative and quantitative methods to identify patterns and student responses related to comfort, participation, and understanding. Results showed a noticeable increase in participation, particularly among Spanish-speaking students, who became more involved in activities and more comfortable communicating with the teacher. Students reported hearing Spanish during lessons made them feel more connected and confident, even if they weren’t fluent speakers. Bilingual instruction helps set a consistent structure that benefited the entire class. The findings highlighted the value of language, inclusive teaching, and physical education, and the potential of UDL to create spaces where all students feel like they belong. While results may vary in classrooms where the teacher does not speak Spanish, this research supports the continued push towards inclusive, student-centered teaching practices in diverse schools.
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Keywords
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universal design for learning
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bilingual
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physical education
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Committee Member
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Amy Bowden
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Gay Timken
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Rights
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Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 06/20/2025, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.
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https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en
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License
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CC-BY (attribution)
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Language
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eng
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spa
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Type
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Text
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Identifier
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JohnnyMartinezIsaac_ARP_2025
