It’s common to apply the word “empathy” to a variety of situations. Empathy has been defined by experts in the field of emotions as the awareness of and responsiveness to the feelings and thoughts of others. When we can empathize with people and put ourselves in their shoes, we are better able to respond to their needs. It is commonly linked to interpersonal actions, and various studies have shown that improved empathetic abilities result in more altruistic acts of kindness.

As teachers, we are engage in interactions with students who come from a variety of backgrounds. Regarding the learner’s attitude, there is a student who is pleasant, submissive, and possesses a great deal of good positive attitudes. On the other hand, there is another category of student, a learner who is impolite, mischievous, and disrespectful. Moreover, in terms of academic progress, there are slow learners, average learners and fast learners. Nevertheless, despite these behaviors, attitudes, and individual capabilities it is our duty and responsibility as the second mother of the learners to understand where they are coming from or what they are going through in their life.

It is immensely valuable for pupils who learn differently and think differently to have the feeling that they are understood and supported. They find it less difficult to maintain their motivation, it raises their level of self-awareness, and it inspires them to speak for themselves. It’s possible that a great number of the learners don’t believe anyone understands them since in the past, other adults have responded to their misbehavior or difficulties without empathy. As a teacher who will practice empathy  demonstrates that you understand and accept all of your students if you are able to tune into their feelings.

By: MS. CHRISTINE JOYCE S. AUSTRIA | OUR LADY OF LOURDES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | BALANGA CITY, BATAAN