Practicing empathy in the classroom is one of the most important skills a teacher can have.

, but
it’s not always easy to respond to student behavior with empathy. However, you build mutual
trust and rapport when you show students you understand and respect their feelings.

What Is Empathy?

According to the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, empathy is “the ability to

sense other people’s emotions, coupled with the ability to imagine what someone else might be
thinking or feeling.” Empathy is a way of connecting with others that shows you understand that
what they’re experiencing is something meaningful. Empathy is a powerful tool that can help
you better understand what’s driving your students’ behavior.
What Empathy Isn’t

People often think that empathy is the same thing as sympathy; however, it isn’t. When you are
sympathetic, you may feel sorry for or pity toward students. These sentiments might lead you to
lower your expectations of them. Being empathetic does not mean you have to lower your
expectations. In fact, being empathetic will reinforce your belief in your student’s ability to
succeed. 

Ways to Practice Empathy in the Classroom

There are several ways you can practice empathy in the classroom. Below are a few:  

 Listen actively. Express active interest in what your students are saying. Make them
feel heard. Avoid being distracted by other things and don’t immediately try to “fix the
problem.” After you understand the problem, you can then talk with your students about
finding solutions or about how they want you to support them.
 Withhold judgment. Don’t make immediate judgements of right or wrong. Set aside
your own reaction and focus on listening to your students.
 Be understanding. Try to understand your student’s feelings. If you can, look at your
own experiences to find a way to connect with what your students are feeling. Put
yourself in their shoes., and think about a time when maybe you felt the same way.  
 Ask open-ended questions. When you ask open-ended questions, students can share
what’s really on their minds. They will open up more as opposed to asking them yes or
no questions.
 Practice mindfulness. Being mindfully aware of your student’s behaviors is crucial for
empathy. Practicing mindfulness will help you take the perspectives of other people. 
 Show empathic body language. Empathy is expressed not just by what we say, but by
our facial expressions, posture, and tone of voice. Is your posture open? Are your eyes
focused on them? Are you speaking in a positive tone?

We live in a world wherein we keep nagging, furthermore igniting angst, and fear. Amidst that,
showering some kind words is a boon. You can achieve this by being empathetic. The
term empathy acts as the perfect ointment to overcome anger and fear.

With empathy, you can lead a happy life for yourself and others. So, with this food for thought,
we are going to explore what is empathy? And how you can develop empathy?
Empathy Definition

Empathy is a person’s ability to understand, recognize, and share the feelings of another
person.

Empathy Meaning – What Does Empathy Mean?

When you see your loved ones in a sad mood, do you feel for them? Do you have the ability to
imagine what the person is going through? If yes, then you are empathetic. When you start
becoming aware of the feelings and emotions of other people, then it is empathy.

In the English language, the word empathy was derived from the Ancient Greek word
‘empátheia,’ which means passion.

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In fact, there is a correlation between empathy and emotional intelligence. With this, you
become capable of understanding another person and his/her feelings. Daniel Goleman, an
American author who has written books on emotional intelligence beautifully states that –

“A prerequisite to empathy is simply paying attention to the person in pain.”

— Daniel Goleman

On a scientific note, the reason for empathy is often mirror neurons. Mirror neurons are the
keystone of human empathy. They get triggered while performing an action and while observing
someone else performing the same action.

They urge us to understand the intentions of others, thus affecting the empathetic experience.

Amidst this, many get confused between sympathy and empathy. But did you know that there is
a difference between the two? If not, then let’s explore these terms.

Empathy vs Sympathy (difference between empathy and sympathy)

Both these terms have the ability to understand the feelings of another person. Sympathy
comes from the Greek words ‘syn’ – meaning together and ‘pathos’ referring to feelings.

Sympathy is all about realizing that the person is suffering. While empathy is imagining yourself
in the place of other people. 
Empathy encourages us to experience what another person is feeling. While sympathy is more
towards conveying feelings of sorrow. But both these terms have one thing in common – the
Greek term páthos. Páthos means “suffering or feeling.”

The only difference is that empathy ‘caring’ expands in a way to feel the emotions of another
person. And most importantly, empathy is more of a personal experience. When one feels
sympathy, it is more of acknowledging the experience. 

For example, losing a loved one is one of the worst experiences. A sympathetic person will feel
sorry about the loss. Their way of expressing sympathy would be sending a sympathy card or
flowers to the funeral.

But an empathetic person will feel beyond. An empathetic person will relate to their situation.
He/she will share their own experiences about the situation and comfort the sufferer. 

The third angle to this triangle is compassion. Let’s see what compassion is all about.

Compassion vs Empathy

Compassion goes up a notch as compared to empathy and sympathy. A compassionate person

understands what the other person is feeling. And undertakes action that eases out the person’s
suffering.

Moreover, an ability to feel constant empathy may lead to burnout or empathic stress. But the
one who is practicing compassion isn’t subjected to such experiences. 

Besides, research highlights that compassion and empathy trigger different regions of the brain.
Instead, an act of compassion can lead to the suppression of emphatic stress. To know more
about this war, you must read our article on compassion vs empathy!  

Well, let’s sum this up in a tabular format.

Empathy vs Sympathy vs Compassion

Empathy Sympathy Compassion

To experience empathy is Feeling sympathy is to admit that

To feel compassion is taking action
like feeling the sufferings of someone is feeling low or suffering
to relieve a person from suffering. 
another person. hardship in life.

Empathy may lead to

Sympathy may lead Compassion is all about positive
empathic stress and negative
to altruistic behavior.  feelings like love. 
feelings.

Empaths are sensitive and Compassionate people are good

Sympathetic people boast shared
get too much involved in listeners, mindful, and are
other people.  feelings, opinions, or even interests. emotionally intelligent. 

“I know you are caught in a bad

“I understand and feel what “I am so sorry, that you are going
situation. And I want to help you in
you are going through.”  through such a tough time.”
all possible ways.”

Empathy vs Sympathy vs Compassion

Well, now you know the basic concept – what is empathy? Let’s dig a little deeper and explore
various types of empathy.

Types of Empathy

SUMMARY
Psychologists have penned down three types of empathy. These types showcase different
features of our personalities.

1. Cognitive Empathy

Cognitive empathy helps in putting yourself in someone else’s shoes to know their perspective.
But cognitive empathy is all about thoughts then engaging in emotions.

Cognitive Empathy Example: when a doctor examines a patient. He/she tries to understand
the illness and the line of treatment. But he/she doesn’t delve into emotions. Cognitive empathy
is all about solving the problem with brainpower than emotion.

And so, with cognitive empathy, also known as empathic accuracy, one can become a great
communicator. It helps in conveying information in the best possible way to the other person. It
also involves giving accurate knowledge about the condition of an individual’s mind.

2. Emotional Empathy

Emotional empathy is also known as affective empathy. In this, when you feel empathy, you
start feeling another person’s emotions. The feeling is so strong that you perceive getting
caught in those emotions.

Emotional Empathy Example: when you see your partner crying, then you are unable to
control your emotions and start crying too. So, this kind of empathy helps in building a strong
emotional connection with others. Thus, making it a great way of understanding and sharing
feelings.

3. Compassionate Empathy

Known as empathic concern, this empathy goes beyond sharing and understanding emotions.
This empathy urges you to take action and help in the best possible way. Amongst all empathy,
compassionate empathy is the apt option.
Instead of hearing the pain, experiencing it, relating to it, an individual prefers actual action.
They are looking for solutions and expect actions to resolve.

Compassionate Empathy Example: So, when your loved one comes to you in tears, your
instant reaction is to know the reason behind his/her anguish. Not just this, but you comfort
them and share your personal emotional experience.

Thus, helping them to heal but not getting beguiled or taking too much burden of their feelings.
Rather, balancing mindfulness with compassion and caring.

Now that you know what is empathy? And also explored the types of empathy. So, it’s now time
to analyze ways to show empathy.

Opposite of Empathy

Apathy and empathy are two sides of a coin. An apathetic person has no concern whatsoever,
no interest, or an emotional attachment. They are inactive when it comes to feeling someone’s
pain. If you think that apathetic people feel the anger of sadness?

Then, you are wrong! They don’t feel any emotions. Things that brought a smile to their faces,
don’t excite them anymore. Nor are they motivated to achieve their goals. 

But empathy can be a perfect antidote to this situation. Let’s see how.  

Why is Empathy Important?

There are several advantages while experiencing empathy. And so, we are listing some of them
here.

1. Empathy improves Communication

While being empathetic, we picture how the other person is feeling. We get into the shoes of the
distressed person. And while doing so, we can communicate our perspective towards the
situation. This particular activity helps in strengthening our communication skills.

With empathy, you can control misunderstandings. Empathy helps in understanding the person
in a better way.

With empathy, along with verbal, you tend to master non-verbal communication too. You get the
capability of understanding their body language. With this, you know their thinking and ways to
respond. 
2. Empathy introduces a positive attitude

When there is compassion, there is no room for negativity. Besides, a study states that
compassion increases happiness as well as self-esteem.

So, with compassionate empathy, you overshadow negativity by shaping good things around.
Instead of thinking, you start taking the desired action to set things right.

With empathy, a positive mental attitude is infused, and helping behavior is promoted. Gratitude
is a great booster to appreciate the people around you. With this, you can instill a healthy
relationship in your personal and professional life. 

3. Stress Management

When you start empathizing with others you get a medium to regulate your emotions. Even
when you are under stress, you can manage it. So, emotional regulation helps in de-stressing
yourself.

Along with mental stress, physical stress may also grapple you. But when you practice empathy,
you get a medium to control emotions that cause stress.

With this, you can manage stress with finesse and take full control over it. Besides, stress
management helps in maintaining a healthy body.  

4. Empathy boosts Social Behavior

Empathy helps in building social connections. You start understanding what people are thinking
and feeling. This helps in connecting with them on an emotional level.

Also, this attitude is a great help to distressed people. They get an approach to respond to aptly
in social situations.

And with this, you can hold the community together. You can make it strong. So, when a
community encounters a threat, empathetic people can address it. This helps to progress in the
best possible way.

5. Improves Working Environment

Empathy in the workplace is a great way to boost communication skills and manage stress. The
absence of empathy leads to a war-like situation in the workplace.

No employee wants to understand the emotions of their colleagues. But when you infuse
compassion, there are chances of drawing a positive conclusion.

This establishes teamwork wherein each member showers trust and value towards everyone.

Moreover, people who are shy or feel awkward, get a podium to share their feelings. Employees
who have lost focus and feel depressed can get back on track. Because they realize that there
is someone who understands them.
With this, it becomes easier to know the strengths of the team and find a solution faster.

6. Empathy supports Moral Behavior

We all follow a code of conduct while treating other people. Sometimes, we tend to get
overwhelmed and may lose our patience. But with empathy, we embrace suitable behavior and
act in a sophisticated manner.

With empathy, we get the strength to act better and gain protection from harmful entities. If
anyone abuses, we get a fair idea of handling the situation. This leads to the creation of a
healthy community that benefits us as well as the people around us.

Now you know why it is beneficial to be empathetic. So, it’s time to analyze ways to show
empathy.

Ways to Improve Empathy

1. Be a good listener

SUMMARY
Listening skills are important while dealing with professional and personal life. When you listen
to a person, it builds a connection. A comfort level starts arousing and the person in distress
might pour his/her heart out.

Empathetic listening plays a vital role while connecting with a distressed individual. While doing
so, show willingness towards the conversation. Let the individual dominate the discussion. Pay
attention to every minute detail that is discussed.

Give preference to open-ended questions so that the response is elaborative. Besides,

whatever emotions your loved ones express, show compassion. With this, there will be a
comfort level in the conversation. 

2. Don’t expedite the conversation

SUMMARY
Patience is the key while showing empathy. And so, do not ask the person to speed up the
conversation. This might be a disappointing turn and the person might avoid sharing his/her
feelings with you.

Several times, during a long conversation we tend to jump to the conclusion. Thus, making it
miserable for the person who is sharing his/her feelings. So, if you wish to practice empathy,
then practice patience. Try and understand his/her feelings. Match with their emotional state.

Ask questions that will comfort them. Don’t rush to end the conversation at a specific point. For
example: If a person had a breakup, then don’t bombard with questions like – are you okay?
What happened? Just recognize his/her pain and comfort them. 
TIP
Also, do not interrupt conversation while a person is interacting. This is a great way to show
empathy in the best possible ways.

3. Show concern

SUMMARY
Despite giving a solution, the situation doesn’t end. A depressed person needs a gesture to
accept that you care. So, give them a chance by communicating verbally or nonverbally that you
are always there!

When a distressed person comes to you with a heavy heart; show care. Because at that
moment the concerned person needs emotional support. And if you ignore then it is the biggest
hurdle in your relationship too.

If you are away, then spare some time to talk over the phone. If you are nearby, then rush to
meet your loved one. Remember to hug your loved one to show that – you care! 

4. Acknowledge emotions

SUMMARY
There are times when we do not like to invite negativity into our lives. And so, we avoid some
situations. Instead, show empathy towards people by considering their emotions. They are
going through a tough time, so be an anchor to pull them out from such situations.

Whenever a depressed person communicates, then it is important to acknowledge their

emotions. By acknowledging emotions, it infers that you recognize the depth of the situation.
Don’t brush off their emotions. Don’t avoid the topic.

Also, beware of making irrelevant gestures by silencing them. Instead, ask welcoming questions
and try to get an in-depth insight into the situation. 

5. Replicate

SUMMARY
Mirroring doesn’t mean you imitate whatever the other person is doing. Instead, reciprocate their
thoughts. Share incidents that can help them relate to their present situation.

When your loved one shares a personal problem by pouring their heart out. It is necessary to
acknowledge them. And to furthermore calm them down, it is important to reciprocate by sharing
a personal experience of your life.

With this, they will realize that you have also gone through the same circumstances. If your
loved one chooses to leave the conversation or looks away, then give them their space.
Remember, to not imitate every action and facial expression.

Instead, adapt yourself to match their attitude, tone, body language, and emotional response.
6. Don’t be judgmental

SUMMARY
It is easy to malign anyone’s image by passing judgment. Instead, analyze the entire situation
and gather information to conclude. One wrong judgment can shatter the dreams of a person. 

Before listening to the entire situation, avoid passing any judgment. When a person with an
immense capacity for empathy, becomes judgmental. Then the conversation ends right there.
Always remember to give your depressed loved one room for doubt.

Without any prior information, don’t give your decision. Your loved one is trying to come out of
the situation. So, don’t pull him/her down by passing judgment. Rather give them space to share
and think.

7. Extend Help

SUMMARY
Sometimes, an individual might become helpless. And this helplessness wouldn’t go away with
a solution or suggestion. In such a situation, they need a person who will listen to their woes
and comfort them to the fullest.

Last but not least, extend help especially emotional help. Assure your loved ones that you
always have their back despite the intensity of the problem. Encourage them to cope with life.
By doing so, you are giving them the confidence to fight back.

You are giving them trust that you will never leave them. Sometimes, people do not need
support and solutions. They need an ear, a hug, and words of love.