Construct a Compassionate Learning Environment in 3 easy steps.

byRoxana Corradino 

Step 1: The BlueprintDraft a Reading PlanTake time to read up on empathy; there are a plethora of resources online along with numerous books to explore. Empathy and compassion are not new topics consider what the past had to say on the subject. An excellent place to start is in Ancient Greece, and Homer has been quoted "Yet, taught by time, my heart has learned to glow for other's good, and melt at other's woe."  Draw Empathy MapsEach semester we encounter a new group of students they sit before us each with their own and individual set of wants and desires, pain, fears, and frustrations. How can we better discern these needs in order to empathize with them successfully? Drawing empathy maps is a powerful tool that will provide intuitive insight into who your students are. And how to target our audience effectively for academic success. Create a simple map by dividing a sheet of paper into four parts. Part 1, Ask what does your student think and feel?  Part 2, What does your student see? Part 3, What do they hear? Part 4, What do they say and do? 

Step 2:  Brick and Mortar Build Trust Establishing healthy boundaries between you and your students, setting specific course policies and discussing them with your students will forge trust and open up emotional channels. Have students complete a course policy quiz, play games during class to teach and review your course requirements and expectations. Build Bridges We all want to make sure to cover all the material we need to teach during a given semester. Nevertheless, it is essential to start each semester getting to know your students along with allowing your students to get to know you. Break away from the traditional “ice breaker” in favor of asking students strategically designed questions that will have students open up emotionally in no time. In place of the age-old question, what is your major? Invite them to share what they wanted to be when they grew up is it the same today and if not why did it change? Or my personal favorite, what was the last purchase they made that significantly improved their lives? Don't forget to have fun ask them who their least superhero is and why?  Oh, and don't forget to share your thoughts as well. Step 3: It’s all in the details. FeedbackEncouraging students to respond to the input you provide, continuing the conversation on a given assignment is a beautiful way to deepen your connection with students. Keep a Compassion JournalThe last step is to take time to capture and reflect after every class and ask yourself five simple questions: 1. How did your response to individual or group student needs? Did you address all their concerns positively and kindly? 2. Record any negative overreactions, thoughts, and or impulses, during class. Use your compassion journal to vent out frustrations, ask for forgiveness and iron things out.3. Be thankful, use your journal to jot down how you exercised compassion and gratefulness during your teaching. Do not rush this process, nourish it carve out time to journal after each and every class. At the end of the semester, it is a gift yourself, you will have an honest snapshot of your teaching and learned something about yourself in the process.