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Topic 7: UDL and Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)

It is important to support students’ academic, social, and emotional learning because emotion and learning are deeply, critically intertwined. When aroused, our nervous system prepares our body to take immediate action based on the current goal, the setting, and learned experiences. The emotions associated with that appraisal impact our students’ engagement, attention, and actions.  

The UDL principles, guidelines, and considerations provide actionable steps for educators to design learning activities that consider the role emotional variability plays in behavior and academic performance and help us address the whole student and support student learning.  


Topic Learner Outcomes: 

  1. Explain why SEL is a fundamental part of the learning process.  
  2. Apply the principles of UDL to scenarios that address the interplay between SEL and learning experiences.
  3. Examine variables that can be adjusted to address the SEL aspects of learning experiences. 

Topic Instructional Materials:

  • eBook Reading: Ch. 4: Universal Design for Learning
    • Engagement: The “Why” of Learning 
    • The Affect Principle: Reframing Attention and Engagement in the Classroom
  • Understanding Trauma and the Brain (4:58)


Topic Specific Activities:
Follow instructions given in the template.


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