Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning
SEE Learning stands for social emotional and ethical learning. It is an innovative K–12 education program developed by the Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics at Emory University. One of the top univesities in America for medicine and mental health. Rooted in cutting-edge research and educational best practices, SEE Learning expands upon traditional social-emotional learning (SEL) by including critical new dimensions that nurture the whole child. SEE Learning takes a resiliency based approach, focusing on students’ strengths.
Key components of SEE Learning include:
- Attention and awareness training
- Compassion for self and others
- Trauma-informed and resilience-based care
- Systems thinking
- Ethical discernment
The Future Of Education
Grounded in scientific research, wisdom, from and informed by the latest educational practices, SEE Learning offers a high-quality curriculum and a comprehensive framework for the holistic development of students—supporting their social, emotional, and ethical growth. SEE learning is the culmination of an academic collaboration that began in 1998 between Emory University and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Guided by a shared vision for an education of heart and mind, the program conveys a universal, non-sectarian, and science-based approach to bringing the ethical development of the whole child. Building on the foundation of social-emotional learning (SEL), SEE Learning incorporates best practices from renowned scholars such as Dr. Daniel Goleman, Linda Lantieri, and Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl, along with insights from systems thinking pioneer Peter Senge.
Why SEE Learning
SEE Learning is built on a powerful framework that integrates three core domains—Personal, Social, and Systems—with three essential dimensions of growth: Awareness, Compassion, and Engagement. This structure supports the development of the whole child, helping students understand themselves, relate to others, and navigate the world with insight and care.
SEE Learning is grounded in the belief that education should go beyond academics to nurture the values and skills that lead to lasting well-being—for individuals and for society as a whole. By educating the heart as well as the head, SEE Learning helps students develop the compassion, awareness, and ethical understanding needed to live meaningful and connected lives.
SEE Learning focuses on strengths, not deficits—embracing a resilience-based rather than deficiency-based model. Grounded in the latest trauma-informed practices, it offers safe, effective ways for educators and students to explore emotions, build self-regulation, and engage in reflection.
At the core of SEE Learning is attention training—helping students develop focus, presence, and self-awareness. By learning to direct and sustain their attention, students build the foundation for emotional regulation, empathy, and ethical decision-making.
SEE Learning nurtures an understanding of interdependence and systems thinking, helping students become more aware of the connections between themselves, others, and the world around them.