How Empathy Can Be Your Secret Weapon

For nearly 40 years, Fred Rogers proved the power of “empathy motivation.” Mister Rogers Neighborhood was a children's television program that discussed a variety of topics using friends and puppets in his neighborhood. No matter what the topic, or who the characters were, Mr. Rogers engaged viewers with a simple message: feelings matter, and there is a power behind emotion.

It is safe to say that many intense feelings developed over the last few years, and many could pinpoint when these feelings started. With the power of empathy, Mr. Rogers increased motivation through television, and there is no better time than now to translate this motivation to the online classroom. Evidence suggests that empathy promotes the motivation to learn and has a positive impact on that learning process (Clark, 2005). Empathy enables us to form bonds with others because we can respond appropriately when we comprehend what people are feeling and/or thinking. 

How Can You Use Empathy in the Online Classroom?

“Tell the class about yourself” Interviews

As an icebreaker, a common activity teachers will use to start a class is a discussion board asking students to introduce themselves. While these may be enough to break the ice, you could also turn this into an activity that promotes an accepting classroom environment, which could lead to more receptive feedback and establish relationships. Rather than a discussion post, consider interviewing two students each week and posting these interviews as a podcast or video-cast within your course.

Instructor Presence

Sometimes it is as simple as just being available. Online students in particular need the reassurance that their work is not being sent into cyberspace. Frequent discussion posts and emails can help faculty become an active participant with their students. Even if an instructor may not be able to communicate for a period of time, informing students of that inactivity is a must.

Empathy is a key trait of great teachers, whether they are teaching young students in a classroom or adults over the web. What's more, it does not matter whether the person is right in front of you—or at a distance of thousands of miles—because empathy can be used online just like it is used offline.

Sources: 

Clark, R. E. (2005). What works in distance learning: Instructional strategies. O’Neil, H. (Ed.) What Works in Distance Learning: Guidelines. Information Age Publishers. 25 – 40.