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Empathetic Listening
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Content: The most important issue about empathetic listening in a classroom setting is when to use it. The general rule is that teachers have a right to teach and students have a right to learn. When the teacher and student can engage in a dialogue that does not violate their individual rights or the rights of others, then empathy is certainly appropriate. However, when either a student or another person is attempting to engage in a dialogue that is disruptive and violates the rights of the teacher and/or students, then the teacher needs to be assertive and bring the class back to order. An example might be helpful. During my first year of teaching I focused quickly on classroom management and keeping an orderly, though engaging, classroom. Rules were posted and most students were reasonably well-behaved. One morning towards the end of October, I began to feel a little queasy during my 45-minute commute to school. By the time school started, I knew I was in trouble. I tried to "tough it out," but about half-way through my first period class I just had to leave.