2. WHAT IS EMPATHY ?
Putting your self in other persons shoes
Project oneself into the role of the other
person
To understand other persons internal
frame of mind
3. How is EMPATHY different then
SYMPATHY ?
EMPATHY
On equal footing and
levelling
SYMPATHY
Superior position
Has undertones of PITY
Healthy and Desirable Could be disastrous
4. Empathy is not something to be learned in a
45-minute lecture on the subject: it’s
something all of us are born with it, but, like
any other skill, demands practice.
Can empathy really be taught?
5. 7 Ways to Respond to Students With Empathy
1. Follow the “Platinum Rule,” not the “Golden Rule.”
You’re probably familiar with the Golden Rule: Treat others the
way you want to be treated. But empathy relies on the
Platinum Rule: Treat others the way they want—and need—to
be treated. This approach puts the focus on understanding
what students need from you instead of what you think they
need.
6. 2. Ask open-ended questions.
Don’t assume you know how a student is feeling. When you ask
open-ended questions, students can share what’s on their minds
without feeling like you’ve already sized up the situation. For
example, asking “Is there something about today that’s been hard
for you?” invites more conversation than “It looks like you’re having
a rough day. Is that true?” Open-ended questions can be tricky for
students who have language-based learning differences. To
support these conversations, you can offer options by saying, “I
noticed you had your head down in class today. Are you frustrated,
angry, or nervous about something?”
7 Ways to Respond to Students With Empathy
7. 3. Set aside your own reaction.
Responding with empathy means letting students’
reactions come first. You don’t have to bury your own
feelings or agree with or accept their behaviour. But
try to keep your focus on hearing students out and
seeing the situation through their eyes.
7 Ways to Respond to Students With Empathy
8. 4. Use “I” statements to avoid blame.
“You” statements, such as “you distracted other students
in class today,” can make students defensive. Try turning
the same thought into an “I” statement, like “I felt that
other students were distracted by your behaviour today.”
“I” statements allow you to talk about situations without
placing blame. These questions also allow you to
acknowledge your own feelings, and may encourage
students to consider your emotions.
7 Ways to Respond to Students With Empathy
9. 5. Actively listen to what students say.
Empathy requires active listening. That means giving
your full attention and listening to both a student’s
words and tone of voice. When you use active listening,
think through and state in your own words what you
think you’ve heard. You can then confirm by asking, “Is
that what you’re telling me?” That simple
question gives students an opening to correct any
misunderstanding and shows respect for their feelings
and perspective.
7 Ways to Respond to Students With Empathy
10. 6. Don’t jump into “fix it” mode.
As teachers, we’re so used to fixing things that you may
immediately try to find solutions. Sometimes, it’s more
useful to just listen and understand what’s wrong.
Students might not even want you to fix the problem.
After you understand the problem, you can talk with the
student about possible solutions and what support they
may (or may not) want from you.
7 Ways to Respond to Students With Empathy
11. 7. Validate feelings.
Tell students they have the right to feel the way they
feel. You may not agree with their choices or may even
think they’re overreacting. But it’s important to
recognize that the way they’re feeling is real to them.
You can say, “Your feelings aren’t right or wrong” as a
way to show respect for how they’re feeling
7 Ways to Respond to Students With Empathy
12. By using these techniques, you’ll show
students you want to understand
them better and value them as
individuals.
