The Emotional Side of Teaching: Why Attitude and Empathy Matter More Than Method

Abstract

This article explores the affective aspects of teaching and how a teacher’s attitude and empathy is capable of impacting learning for the better to a greater extent, it argues, than a particular method of instruction. The purpose of this book is to shine a light on the often-ignored human side of education and to demonstrate that emotional intelligence in the classroom is a crucial ingredient for creating successful, caring learning communities. The results demonstrate that empathy and a teacher positive attitude exert a tremendous impact on students’ engagement, self-efficacy beliefs, and motivation to learn. Instruction is less effective when teachers are patient, understanding and respectful. Students feel safer, more valued and comfortable communicating. There are equally inflexible or aloof methods that typically generate anxiety, silence, or withdrawal in the face of what might have been better teaching. The research also revealed that emotionally intelligent teachers are more flexible and able to bounce back in the face of classroom challenges with serenity and imagination. The article argues that, while methods and tools are necessary, they can be significantly enhanced only when there is sensitivity to emotion. It follows that teacher education should incorporate the need to establish empathy, self-reflection and interpersonal abilities as necessary aspects of their professional development. At its core, teaching is a human meeting — and the feelings behind it are what make learning real.