According to Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) http://www.casel.org/social-and-emotional-learning/ social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that can enhance personal development, establish satisfying interpersonal relationships, and lead to effective and ethical work and productivity. These include the competencies to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show caring and concern for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

Research indicates that there is a direct link between social and emotional skills and academic learning. According to CASEL many risky behaviors can be prevented or reduced when social and emotional learning is integrated into the curriculum. This is best done through explicit instruction and through student-centered learning approaches that help students engage in the learning process and develop analytical, communication, and collaborative skills.

The Minded Brain is a "hands-on" educational curriculum designed to enhance the social, emotional and cultural needs of students through target experiential learning activities. It uses targeted instructional techniques to support social emotional learning within an easy-to-use NeuroTransactional approach.