Empathy Examples...
Seems like every class has students that either fall behind in the learning process or have external issues that are holding them back. I used to be very cut and dry... "No work on time, results in a bad grade."
However, after years into teaching, I find there are so many intricate nuances governing every students' performance. Having empathy and being flexible is hard to allow yourself at first... but try it, it may pay off in the long run!
With todays students there is no cut and dry answer. Everyone has issues going on in their lives. It is important to be empathetic when needed, and a little tougher to those who constantly have drama and want a break concerning everything going on in their lives. Empathy will gain respect as the students see our human side and realize we care.
Hi Lynette,
Exactly. What a share to lose a student when he or she just can't see a way out of their situation. We need to be aware of how we can support such students when needed.
Gary
I totally agree that we have to be empathetic to a certain degree because we don't know what the student happens to be going through at the time. We are not always in control of what happens and it would be a shame for a student to give up because of something he couldn't help.
Hi Craig,
If you present yourself as a professional and in control of the class environment you will be ok in showing empathy when needed. Just make sure you get all the details when the need arises to extent empathy.
Gary
I want to be empathetic in the classroom. My fear is that if you are students will pick up on this and try to take advantage of the situation.
I've had so many students passed the class by allowing them to get another opportunity to bring late homework or even late assignments. Many of them are working full time and have families to attend and don't have the luxury of having enough time to do their assignments. By allowing them make up those assignments, they have pass their class with a much better grade and they feel much better of themselves.
Hi Samuel,
Spoken like a dedicated instructor. With this understanding your students will be better served as they move through the course.
Gary
I understand the nuances of life that can affect my students. I notice If I am flexible in my learning enviroment the students respond better and their grades appear to be reflective of this.
In my classes I've found that showing empathy in the way you speak to someone or speak about someone in a story serves to pay it forward. I always keep in the back of my mind that my empathetic listening will transfer to students and from them on to others. A lot of my students don't understand how to be empathetic because they are used to action/reaction. A little empathy goes a long way when someone has never had that support. It's helped me be a better teacher.
Hi Bradley,
The human factor has to be present in teaching. Yes, students' lives are reflective of our own problems so we need to be understanding of their situations. We can't compromise on the standards of the course nor the preparation we offer the students but we can be understanding of what is going on in their lives.
Gary
As a Instructor were the class is a cut & dry issue, no room for being tardy or missing class, I find a little Empathy can go along way with your students, they like us have problems in life to, listening and understanding the students goes along way with them, this also helps build the respect you and the students desire between each other.
Hi Gail,
This is what makes the difference in teaching. Knowing how to handle different situations and having an understanding of what is going on with students. Their lives have all sorts of impacts that come their way just as do we. We need to always factor the situations and then work with the students on handling the student needs contained within them.
Gary
Having a sense of empathetic understanding of what processes students are going through is so important. We are all students at one time or another and it is sometimes more challenging than other times. Sick kids, pets, personal problems can happen to any of us at any time and we need to learn to be flexible and understanding.
