Empathy Is powerful,
Teachers must embrace it
What is empathy and why the so much
noise about the skill? This is because it is a necessity and not a luxury. A
key aspect of emotional intelligence, crucial in all human relationships.
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, Empathy is the ability to share
someone else's feelings or experiences by imagining what it will be like to be
in that situation.
With empathy, teachers pay
attention and share in the feelings of their learners to make life a bit easy
for them. From the perspective of neuroscience, the human brain is wired for
empathy, because our survival depends on it. So it is a must-grab.
Through the lens of empathy,
teachers see, understand and show concern for their learners. Not only these
but as well deal with their learners in such a way they will not lose focus on
learning.
Let us not forget that some learners come into our classroom with baggage(s) and there is a need for
teachers as the contact point to show compassion. This will help to give them a
safe landing.
As far back as 1969, Psychologist
Carl Rogers described empathy as the most potent factor and an integral part of
whom we are as teachers, meaning that teachers cannot be separated from the
skill.
We need to intentionally understand
our learners with their situations because understanding will enable us to
build a wall of compassion around them.
However, it is important to
emphasise the need for teachers to be self-full. There is a need to understand
ourselves, as well as the conditions of those around us. This is because a
personal understanding of self will help us to reach out to others
authentically. We have to fill up ourselves with love and compassion before we
can give out to our learners. Empathy is an act of love. We can't afford to lose it.
How important is empathy in learning?
Empathy helps to step -down the
pressures especially when it concerns learners with baggage(s). With
compassion, learners will have a comfortable platform, to begin with and
thrive.
You can never underestimate the
positive feeling that comes with empathy. From my years of experience as a
teacher, it is magical. Just like a soothing balm.
Empathy opens and promotes
meaningful communication. Through communication leaner -teacher relationship
kindle. Communication promotes understanding.
Empathy helps us to build
connections with our learners.
It helps learners to unburden
themselves emotionally
Empathy helps us to develop the
compassion to help others
Empathy helps teachers to listen
attentively to learners without negative non-verbal expressions. We all can
tell how withdrawn we can be in the presence of someone without compassion.
Research has shown that when people
are treated with concern, their wholeness sprouts. Therefore I encourage us to
live and spread empathy.
How can a teacher apply empathy?
The acronym, E.M.P.A.T.H.Y (a powerful seven steps for understanding and
increasing empathy) by Dr..Helen Riess below said it all
The second video above is provided for more insight into the acronym
The world does not only revolve
around us. Endeavour to show concern for others.
Let your learners see the world
through your eyes.
Imagine the negative impact on our
learners when empathy is missing in our portfolio.
Note-EMPATHY comes easy to some
people than others. Perhaps you don't have empathy or don't know how to show
it. No worries. Empathy can be learned. There are credible online resources and
courses in regard.
A
must-read resource
The Empathy Effect by Dr .Helen Riess .Available @ Harvard book store-
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