The Importance of Empathy in Teaching: A Case Study in the Albanian School Environment

Abstract

This paper attempts to assess the empathy as a skill needed in teaching. It also will note the importance of future teachers’ role in society. The application of new methods of teaching is gaining attention nowadays, but a special importance has still to be given to the social, psychological, and emotional relationship between the teacher and the student. The ability to move from one’s psychological perspective, to apprehend, to understand the other is a crucial element needed in teaching, which is considered as the skill of empathy. This case study endeavors to measure the level of empathy of in-service teachers and if they regard it as an important element in teaching. Future teachers will also be taken into consideration in order to evaluate their ability of understanding not only perceptions, thoughts and beliefs of their future students but also their needs, feelings and emotions. Another important form of empathy, also called “compassionate empathy”, takes our attention in this case study. It has to do with the ability to experience feelings that show care and emotional connection with other people’s feelings, concerns, situations, or circumstances. This paper tries to identify the current level of empathy as a skill in some schools in Albania, but it also furnishes future teachers with information regarding empathy as a skill, its importance and tools needed in order to implement this skill for a more accurate teaching process. It also will help future teachers to build a friendlier environment and make their pupils feel at ease and help them become better citizens for our society.

DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2016.v5n3s1p551