Empathy
The ability to understand, share, and relate to another person's thoughts, feelings, or experiences as if they were your own.
What is Empathy?
Scott Sonnon speaks about his mother taking him out of school when his teachers failed him and taught him using music - My placements resource teacher telling me that hands on activities and music can be incredible helpful for dyslexic kids although it is not a go-to strategy that is often talked about
What is a real world connection I made during this assignment?
Something I know I experience but still struggled and got frustrated with thinking I should be better at this by now.
What was ADHD simulation?
Conscious Discipline. Understanding that students don't want to "be bad" and we must explore our own triggers and biases in order to provide true empath to a child that is struggling.
What is a connection to something I have learned previously.
Experiences that are not your own are still valid and real. Understanding how someone else experiences the world helps find meaning behind behaviors. This opens the door to guide with grace and kindness.
Why is empathy important?
Sonnon speaks of being institutionalized as well as beat in his Ted Talk. This was particularly concerning regarding the future of learners who experience the world in a non-traditional way and are not attempted to be understood.
What can happen when society responds to differences with punishment and fear rather than empathy and understanding?
A real way to see what my daughter struggles with everyday (and many students everyday!) - and also - if it is genetic, is hers from me because those syllables really tripped me up.
What is the Dyslexia Simulation?
The tree illustration - a clear path vs. a jungle of tangles needing tools to get to the same destination. The jungle needs a machete - it is my job to find what tools my students need.
What invisible barriers are my students struggling with and what tools to they need to reach the destination?
When we empathize with all students we understand that the way they experience the world around them effect the way they respond to it. As a teacher, and an instructional designer, this understanding helps me recognize that behavior is a form of communication, and I need to understand what it is the student is trying to communicate rather than simply react to their behavior. Empathy encourages me to create lessons that are inclusive, flexible, and promote accessibility for all learners. Ultimately, I want to design learning experiences where all students feel understood, valued, and capable of being successful.
How might empathy for all students impact your work as an instructional designer?
Sonnon speaks of his ability to see patterns in martial arts class. Getting back up over and over again but learning the whole time. The movement and pattern recognition being a strong learning tool.
What is something I would like to explore more in regards to imbedding in my own instruction?
And in THIS economy!?
What was the Dyscalculia simulation?
Rather than immediately correcting or judging a behavior, I will consider what might be influencing the behavior. Although it may not be immediately obvious, I can empathize that they are struggling with something and we can work together to find ways for me to make the learning more accessible for them.