Perspectives: Empathy and Teacher Development

Page No.: 
271
Writer(s): 
John B. Kemp, Gakushuin and Seikei Universities

This article suggests that empathy plays an important role in a cross-cultural
setting, particularly when foreign teachers work within the Japanese educational
system. Three areas are identified, namely involuntary, emergent, and consciously
attempted empathy. These can be thought of as separate categories or ideas
which frequently overlap. The use of balanced and informed empathy can often
facilitate the resolution of classroom communication breakdowns and can make
a significant contribution to ongoing teacher development.

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