The Affective Brain Networks

UDL is distinguished from many other educational frameworks by its explicit grounding in the neurosciences. The affective networks, located primarily in the limbic system, process information and regulate emotions. They are responsible for why we are motivated and engaged in learning — what captures our interest, what sustains our effort, and how we regulate our emotional responses to challenge and failure. These networks are highly variable across individuals, which is why some students are deeply engaged by competitive challenges while others find them threatening.