Boosting Home Engagement with UDL and Microsoft Teams Classwork
Home engagement is one of the biggest challenges in education today. When pupils leave the classroom, maintaining momentum and motivation can be tough. But with the right tools and strategies, we can make learning at home accessible, engaging, and effective for every learner.
Introducing the Microsoft Teams Classwork App
Microsoft Teams Classwork brings structure and simplicity to lesson/revision planning by letting you group files, assignments, and links into clear modules. With features like drag-and-drop organisation and resource pinning, it saves time and keeps student resources focused in one easy to access area. Plus, AI-powered module creation is just around the corner – making prep even easier! Have a read of one of my previous blogs which explains how to set up the classwork app.
22. Boosting Student Engagement: How to Set Up Microsoft Teams Classwork – EdTech4Everyone
Why UDL Matters at Home
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) ensures that all pupils have multiple ways to access content, engage with ideas, and demonstrate understanding. At home, this flexibility is crucial – families have different schedules, digital resources, and levels of confidence in supporting learning.
Using Microsoft Teams Classwork to Deliver Variety
The Classwork app in Teams is a must for home engagement. It allows teachers to organise and publish assignments and resources in an easy way for students to access beyond the classroom. Here’s how to use it to provide UDL-friendly options:
By offering choice, pupils can select the format that works best for them – boosting autonomy and engagement. Simply add your resources to the app like in the video below.
Examples of resources added to the Classwork App
Supporting Parental Engagement
Parents are partners in learning, but they need clear guidance and encouragement. Here are practical strategies:
- Letters Home: Explain the purpose of home learning and how parents can help.
- Social Media Reminders: Share quick tips and celebrate pupil successes.
- Step-by-Step Guides: Simple instructions for accessing Teams Classwork and supporting tasks.
- Short Video Tutorials: Show parents how to navigate Classwork on Phones and check progress.
Evidence of Impact
Using structured routines and varied resources through Teams allows me to report the following:
- Improved work rate: Pupils complete more tasks when they have choice and clarity.
- Better outcomes: Regular home engagement correlates with higher attainment. Evidence from my year 10 History class exam analysis shows that students who engaged with the Teams app for revision at home tended to achieve higher exam scores. While not the only factor, consistent use of digital tools appears to support better learning outcomes and engagement. This supports the value of integrating Teams into home study routines to help boost attainment.
- Positive feedback from families: Parents have contacted me to express satisfaction with the materials on the Classwork app.
Consistency is key- set a routine, provide options, and keep communication open.
Final Thoughts
Home engagement doesn’t have to be a struggle. By combining UDL principles, Microsoft Teams Classwork, and strong parental support, we can create a learning ecosystem that works for everyone – at school and at home.
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