Comments on: Empathy: An Overlooked 21st Century Skill http://www.csessums.com/2010/01/empathy-an-overlooked-21st-century-skill/ an unlearning journal Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:58:43 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Empathy as Social Literacy » iThinkEducation.net! http://www.csessums.com/2010/01/empathy-an-overlooked-21st-century-skill/comment-page-1/#comment-73 Empathy as Social Literacy » iThinkEducation.net! Tue, 08 Jun 2010 22:46:36 +0000 http://www.csessums.com/?p=49#comment-73 [...] a post I wrote earlier this year, I spoke of the importance of empathy as a skill that needs as much [...] [...] a post I wrote earlier this year, I spoke of the importance of empathy as a skill that needs as much [...]

]]> By: csessums.com » Blog Archive » Empathy as Social Literacy http://www.csessums.com/2010/01/empathy-an-overlooked-21st-century-skill/comment-page-1/#comment-72 csessums.com » Blog Archive » Empathy as Social Literacy Sun, 06 Jun 2010 15:44:34 +0000 http://www.csessums.com/?p=49#comment-72 [...] a post I wrote earlier this year, I spoke of the importance of empathy as a skill that needs as much [...] [...] a post I wrote earlier this year, I spoke of the importance of empathy as a skill that needs as much [...]

]]> By: Adrienne http://www.csessums.com/2010/01/empathy-an-overlooked-21st-century-skill/comment-page-1/#comment-10 Adrienne Tue, 12 Jan 2010 04:57:22 +0000 http://www.csessums.com/?p=49#comment-10 I'm just kind of thinking out loud here, but I'm wondering -- is "to empathize" a skill? Or is empathy a concept? When phrased like a verb it sounds like a skill, but I'm not sure that it is. That is not to say that I don't think it can be learned -- of course it can -- nor that I don't think it should be taught. I certainly agree with your main point here, which is that empathy needs to be given more emphasis in our schools and educational systems. But I'm not sure it's a skill. I think it belongs in the abstract category with "trustworthiness" and "respect" and "compassion." Are these things <em>abilities</em>? or are they ideas and attitudes that are understood, embedded, and retained? I only bring it up because the term "skill" implies (at least to me) that one can be instructed to learn how to do it, and by following instructions and experimenting with practice, become proficient at it. But I think empathy (and the other concepts I mention) is taught by modeling, and experience and exposure more than instruction. I’m just kind of thinking out loud here, but I’m wondering — is “to empathize” a skill? Or is empathy a concept? When phrased like a verb it sounds like a skill, but I’m not sure that it is. That is not to say that I don’t think it can be learned — of course it can — nor that I don’t think it should be taught. I certainly agree with your main point here, which is that empathy needs to be given more emphasis in our schools and educational systems.

But I’m not sure it’s a skill. I think it belongs in the abstract category with “trustworthiness” and “respect” and “compassion.” Are these things abilities? or are they ideas and attitudes that are understood, embedded, and retained?

I only bring it up because the term “skill” implies (at least to me) that one can be instructed to learn how to do it, and by following instructions and experimenting with practice, become proficient at it. But I think empathy (and the other concepts I mention) is taught by modeling, and experience and exposure more than instruction.

]]> By: csessums http://www.csessums.com/2010/01/empathy-an-overlooked-21st-century-skill/comment-page-1/#comment-9 csessums Tue, 05 Jan 2010 02:35:13 +0000 http://www.csessums.com/?p=49#comment-9 Beth, Thank you for the comment. I too worry about the lack of time educators are given to reflect on both the big picture and the spaces in between. I am planning on working with several local teachers this year in getting them to rethink time and place in their practice. So often, experimenting with these factors is risky--that is, no one wants to "fail." I am hoping that I can help them frame their practice in way where "failure" is okay and a learning opportunity for all. Thanks again for stopping by. Beth,
Thank you for the comment. I too worry about the lack of time educators are given to reflect on both the big picture and the spaces in between. I am planning on working with several local teachers this year in getting them to rethink time and place in their practice. So often, experimenting with these factors is risky–that is, no one wants to “fail.” I am hoping that I can help them frame their practice in way where “failure” is okay and a learning opportunity for all.
Thanks again for stopping by.

]]> By: Beth Holmes http://www.csessums.com/2010/01/empathy-an-overlooked-21st-century-skill/comment-page-1/#comment-8 Beth Holmes Tue, 05 Jan 2010 02:24:39 +0000 http://www.csessums.com/?p=49#comment-8 Hi, Chris, I'm glad you are still thinking deeply about the knowledge, skills and abilities that will be needed as we approach the second decade of the 21st century. Your blog post was an opportunity to rethink the work of Jenkins, Wagner and S. Downes - all excellent thinkers who inspired and added depth to my own ideas in years past. I'm impressed that you isolated empathy as a focus - and I'm intrigued with your insightful tweet that links empathy with "What most of us teachers have forgotten!" Your post made me wonder if our profession's inability to collectively empathize with the challenges that face the next generation is inhibiting our progress toward reformed schools that meet the needs of today's learners. I've been perplexed that educators aren't able to passionately unite around a progressive agenda that makes sense for modern students. We know what is needed - as Jenkins, Wagner and Downes point out. As you remind us, however, we'll have to develop genuine feelings/concerns (empathy) for our students and their futures to motivate a dynamic, passion-based change agenda. I like your thinking, Chris, and I'm glad I read your blog. Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year! Hi, Chris,
I’m glad you are still thinking deeply about the knowledge, skills and abilities that will be needed as we approach the second decade of the 21st century. Your blog post was an opportunity to rethink the work of Jenkins, Wagner and S. Downes – all excellent thinkers who inspired and added depth to my own ideas in years past.

I’m impressed that you isolated empathy as a focus – and I’m intrigued with your insightful tweet that links empathy with “What most of us teachers have forgotten!” Your post made me wonder if our profession’s inability to collectively empathize with the challenges that face the next generation is inhibiting our progress toward reformed schools that meet the needs of today’s learners. I’ve been perplexed that educators aren’t able to passionately unite around a progressive agenda that makes sense for modern students. We know what is needed – as Jenkins, Wagner and Downes point out. As you remind us, however, we’ll have to develop genuine feelings/concerns (empathy) for our students and their futures to motivate a dynamic, passion-based change agenda. I like your thinking, Chris, and I’m glad I read your blog.

Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year!

]]> By: csessums http://www.csessums.com/2010/01/empathy-an-overlooked-21st-century-skill/comment-page-1/#comment-7 csessums Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:19:10 +0000 http://www.csessums.com/?p=49#comment-7 Stephen, Thank you for your comment and follow-up. I remember seeing your list when I was rummaging through with Delicious links recently. Sorry I did not include it in my initial post. -cds Stephen,

Thank you for your comment and follow-up. I remember seeing your list when I was rummaging through with Delicious links recently. Sorry I did not include it in my initial post.

-cds

]]> By: Stephen Downes http://www.csessums.com/2010/01/empathy-an-overlooked-21st-century-skill/comment-page-1/#comment-6 Stephen Downes Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:15:00 +0000 http://www.csessums.com/?p=49#comment-6 A better list (2006): Things You Really Need to Learn http://halfanhour.blogspot.com/2006/08/things-you-really-need-to-learn.html 1. How to predict consequences 2. How to read 3. How to distinguish truth from fiction 4. How to empathize 5. How to be creative 6. How to communicate clearly 7. How to Learn 8. How to stay healthy 9. How to value yourself 10. How to live meaningfully A better list (2006):

Things You Really Need to Learn
http://halfanhour.blogspot.com/2006/08/things-you-really-need-to-learn.html

1. How to predict consequences
2. How to read
3. How to distinguish truth from fiction
4. How to empathize
5. How to be creative
6. How to communicate clearly
7. How to Learn
8. How to stay healthy
9. How to value yourself
10. How to live meaningfully

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