Systemic Implementation of SEE Learning Across Diverse Educational Contexts in South Asia and Eastern Asia

Group Submission Type: Formal Panel Session

Proposal

Introduction: The sustainability and transformative impact of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs, such as SEE Learning, play critical roles in developing 21st-century thinking. These transformations depend on a systems change approach within education. SEE Learning (Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning) is an SEL program developed by Emory University that focuses on cultivating students’ social, emotional, and ethical competencies. SEE Learning has been adapted in South and East Asia to address the region’s unique cultural and educational needs. The program has been integrated into local cultural values and traditions, ensuring the curriculum is relevant and meaningful to students. The program emphasizes holistic development and cultivates more compassionate schools and school systems. SEE Learning has been implemented at scale across educational systems in many countries. This approach is supported by processes that ensure comprehensive and enduring integration across diverse educational contexts in Asia.
Panel Focus: This panel session will highlight the success stories of organizations that have implemented SEE Learning systemically in India, Mongolia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The session will demonstrate how SEE Learning’s structure, training, curriculum, and implementation supports enable systems-level implementation across various South and East Asian sites. Additionally, the moderator will discuss developing and testing digital tools within India to strengthen implementation processes.
Aligning with Conference Goals: The CIES 2025 conference focuses on the impact of digital transformations and the digital divide in education, especially highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This panel is directly aligned with these themes, as it explores how SEE Learning has adapted to digital transformations and addressed digital divides in diverse educational contexts. The discussion will include:
1. Digital Transformation in Education:
o How SEE Learning has integrated digital tools to support SEL implementation.
o The role of digital technology in maintaining educational continuity during disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
o Examples of digital innovations in SEE Learning that have enhanced educational delivery and engagement.
2. Addressing the Digital Divide:
o Strategies used by SEE Learning to ensure equitable access to SEL resources across different socio-economic and cultural contexts.
o The impact of digital divides on the implementation of SEE Learning and how these challenges have been mitigated.
o Case studies from India, Mongolia, Taiwan, and Vietnam showcasing diverse efforts to provide systemic implementation in education using both digital and non-digital methods.
3. Holistic Development and Community Engagement:
o The importance of community engagement and student voice in the successful implementation of SEE Learning.
o How SEE Learning fosters holistic development by integrating social, emotional, and ethical learning with digital literacy.
o The role of leadership and teacher support in promoting SEL in a digitally evolving educational landscape.
Key Factors for Systemic Implementation:
• Leadership Development and Mission Alignment: Effective leadership training and alignment with the educational mission are essential for promoting SEL. Leaders must be knowledgeable about the program and supported by clear communication and ongoing professional development.
• Implementation Practices and Teacher Support: Successful implementation practices should be combined with continuous support and development for teachers through communities of practice. This ensures that teachers are well-equipped to implement the program effectively.
• Community Engagement and Student Voice: Meaningful integration of community engagement and student voice into SEL implementation fosters a more inclusive and supportive environment. This approach mitigates political backlash and ensures that SEL programs meet the needs of all stakeholders.

Sub Unit

• South Asia SIG

Chair

• Tyralynn na Frazier, Emory University

Individual Presentations

• Piramal Foundation’s SEE Learning: Transforming Education Across India Through Collaboration and Innovation - MONAL JAYARAM PODUVAL, PIRAMAL FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATION LEADERSHIP; Anshu Dubey, PIRAMAL FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATION LEADERSHIP

• Growth and Integration of SEE Learning in Taiwan: 2022-2024 - Hannah Smith; Thao Pham ED, Heart and Mind Education

• Strategic Implementation and Growth of SEE Learning in Mongolia: 2023 and Beyond - Rebecca Portman, Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics; Boldsuren BOLDSUREN.B, National University of Mongolia; Artbazar Ariunzaya, SEE Learning Mongolia