empathy
showing empathy for special situations with students may show that you really care about your students
Laura,
This is so important to display. If we display empathy we encourage students that may be on the cusp of leaving school.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I strongly believe in showing empathy to students- life can throw some major curveballs. In showing empathy, however, I feel it is important to follow protocol in each individual situation so that the circumstances provide a fair opportunity to each class member.
Timothy,
This is a good way to show support for students that are trying to keep all of the parts of their lives together and still be successful as students.
Gary
Most all of my students have a full time job and a family in which to take care. Instead of decreasing the homework load, I try to give some
"in class" time for homework if time allows. I let the students work in groups on some of these assignments. They really seem to enjoy this.
Empathy allows you to interact with studsents on a more human level and has a positive impact in motivating students.
Hi Chuck,
Good point about understanding and supporting students. The key is as you mention that they know you are there to support them if they will be forth the effort.
Gary
And it doesn't always matter whether you truly understand their situation, just that you understand that they're having a true, real-world problem, and that you'll be willing to work with them.
Hi Laura,
Thanks for sharing this story with us. This is what respect and rapport can be when it is cultivated on the part of both students and instructor.
Gary
It's a great day as an instructor when a student shows the empathy they have learned in your class towards you and other students! After a couple of weeks with a new class, a student asked me, "How was your day today? You look tired." It was true, I was tired and I had an unexpected situation at my other job, so it showed. But, by her asking me how I was, I was able to relate to the class in a more compassionate way and move forward.
Hi Melissa,
So true and so important because instructor empathy may be what keeps a student in school. By them knowing you know what they are experiencing and providing support they will continue to try and make progress in the course.
Gary
I believe that showing empathy to a student also shows them that you understand what they are going through.
THIS IS TRUE AS LONG AS THE STUDENT DOESN'T EXCEPT SOMETHING IN RETURN ie: A HIGHR GRADE.
JUDY
