Empathy is compassion and understanding extended to others and, while beautiful in theory, when confronted with challenging students, we can get derailed by quick judgments and perceptions. Learn to strengthen interactions with students by kindling your imagination and adjusting your point of view to better assess and navigate challenging situations.

* Understand the difference between sympathy and empathy * Experience empathy through participation in various activities * Provide tools to be able to reframe our perceptions toward others

In the midst of busy work schedules loaded with due dates, confused or annoying students, and limited time, it’s easy to narrow our vision and understanding of what is really going on, much less extend an understanding ear to those around us. This seminar, however, encourages participants to pause and take an empathetic approach to various situations. Empathy does not mean giving in to a student’s request, fixing a problem, or making things sound better. Empathy is simply compassion and understanding extended to others, and it has the potential of curbing our biases and judgments and strengthening our communication with students. In this interactive seminar, participants will be provided with tools and activities to help them better navigate through challenging student interactions.