2020 Transformative Learning Conference

Demonstrating Transformative Learning During the Conference Session

Embracing Empathy as a Technique of Transformative Learning
In Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ (1995), Daniel Goleman lists empathy as one of five core components of emotional intelligence. Goleman explains, “Empathy [is] social intelligence, the interpersonal part of emotional intelligence…empathy represents the foundational skill for all the social competencies important for work” (Goleman 137). Empathy is generally defined as the ability to identify and understand another person's feelings from their point of view, rather than from one's own. Empathy is also a holistic state of being, involving one’s mental, emotional, social, and spiritual wellness. In this session, Kato Buss, Ph.D. weaves together the Transformative Learning Conference threads by applying, demonstrating, engaging, and expanding on how empathy can create a transformative learning experience for both students and instructor. The interactive session is in a three-act format: I. Introduction; II. Engagement; III. Reflection. In each act, participants engage with the group and explore the use of empathy as an applicable learning/teaching technique, as well as an indispensable and necessary life skill. The session culminates in a video reflection recorded by each participant, using the “What? So what? Now what?” reflection prompt. Upon completion of the session, participants will be able to define empathy, identify empathy in themselves and others, and practice empathy in their lives.