Empathy in Education: How Words Shape Student Behaviour

About this episode

Tem discusses the critical impact of language on student behaviour and advocates for empathetic communication in education.

DESCRIPTION: In this episode, Tem discusses the critical impact of language when interacting with students, particularly those who are dysregulated or misbehaving. She emphasises that the words educators choose can either escalate or deescalate a situation, significantly affecting the student's emotional state and the overall classroom environment. Tem shares a personal experience where she disagreed with a statement used by educators, which she believes conveys a lack of care and support to the student, and advocates for a more empathetic approach that separates the behaviour from the individual, fostering a supportive atmosphere that encourages students to feel safe and understood. Tem elaborates on the importance of trauma-informed practices, highlighting how negative language can reinforce feelings of inadequacy in students. She provides alternative phrases that educators can use to communicate effectively and compassionately, ensuring that students know they are supported. By reframing their language, teachers can help students regulate their emotions and create a more positive learning environment. If you would like to enquire about trauma-informed training, please contact…

People in this episode

Host: Tem Ezimokhai

Topics covered

• empathy in education
• language impact
• student behaviour
• trauma-informed practices
• supportive communication

Keywords

• empathy
• education
• student behaviour
• trauma-informed
• supportive language
• classroom environment
• emotional regulation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Helping Teachers Thrive

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