How to make students feel each other’s pain
Are you an empathetic person? Do you make an effort to understand how others are feeling? How many times have you helped a friend or relative in need?
Nearly everyone agrees that K-12 schools should focus on STEM education (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) as well as subjects like English, history and art. As thousands of students start new academic sessions each year, parents and guardians are generally eager to review the new syllabus and subject list. The entry of Additional Mathematics, Biology or Chemistry is perhaps the most exciting news for parents whose children make their way to junior school. However, those of us in the education profession understand that along with the general subjects, the incorporation of social and emotional learning (SEL) in education is necessary, starting with empathy.
In the world of education, empathy is not just a desirable trait; it is an essential skill. And educators must cultivate empathy in students to create meaningful learning environments. A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that students who received empathy training showed significant improvements in their ability to understand and respond to the emotions of others. This highlights the importance of educators fostering empathy in students to develop impactful learning environments.
There are primarily two key types of empathy: affective empathy and cognitive empathy. Affective empathy is the ability to resonate with another person’s emotions and offer them with genuine support. Meanwhile, cognitive empathy is the ability to apprehend and be interested in another’s thoughts, behaviors, and situations. Both kinds of empathy must be exercised and taught as early as in primary education. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) reports that SEL programs that include empathy training can lead to a 23% improvement in student behavior and an 11% increase in academic performance.
Now, teaching empathy is not direct learning like how one would teach a math equation. It requires a subtle approach, one that embraces the long-term cultivation of understanding and compassion. In other words, teaching empathy cannot be scripted or planned. By conducting model empathy activities, actively listening, acknowledging feelings, and responding with understanding, teachers can set a powerful example for students to follow.
Teachers may also utilize books and cinema that explore various perspectives to support students in understanding different emotional experiences. Teachers can then stimulate discussions around characters’ feelings and motivations, prompting students to reflect on how they might feel in similar situations. Other tactics like promoting community service, discussing emotions openly, and creating an overall safe space for communication can further normalize emotional conversations. This collaborative spirit not only enriches the learning experience but also prepares students for future challenges in an interconnected world.
When it comes to teaching, there are many aspects that cannot be planned or predicted. But as instructors, we need to be prepared to improvise and personalize inside the classroom. CEO of BizNet Australia Pty Ltd, Mario Cortes, said, “A good teacher will lead the horse to water; an excellent teacher will make the horse thirsty first.” In a similar manner, teachers need not only show the path to students but let them find it themselves.
As educators, we must strive to allow students to put themselves in the shoes of others. Regardless of their relationship with the person, they need to learn to help others. Cultivating empathy can help students develop essential life skills such as active listening, conflict resolution and emotional intelligence. These skills not only enhance academic collaboration but also prepare students to navigate through diverse social landscapes.
The goal is simple: we can never perfectly inhabit another person’s experience, but we should still try. It requires a special willingness to imagine another person’s situation and experiences, feel distress about their pain, and act with compassion. Numerous research indicate that students who engage in empathetic practices are more likely to develop strong interpersonal relationships, demonstrate leadership skills and emerge successful in life. This is crucial in today’s interconnected world, where collaboration and understanding are key to success.
It is said that learning empathy can significantly reduce bullying and conflict, while creating a more harmonious school environment. Fostering empathy can also result in improved emotional well-being, as students learn to support one another and build a sense of community. Ultimately, the journey toward empathy in education is a circle. It requires continuous commitment from educators, students, and the community to cultivate a culture that prioritizes emotional intelligence alongside academic achievement. By doing so, we can create a more compassionate society.
Let us continue to build a community of educators who understand that at the heart of teaching lies the power of empathy – the power to change lives, one student at a time.
The writer is Principal of Glenrich International School Uttara
News Link: How to make students feel each other’s pain (observerbd.com)
