Empathy is one of the most valuable social skills that students can develop during their educational stage. Understanding and respecting the emotions of others not only strengthens interpersonal relationships but also improves classroom coexistence (or atmosphere) and creates a more harmonious school environment.
At the Colegio Internacional de Granada, we work to ensure that our students learn to listen, understand, and put themselves in the place of others. Empathy is not taught only through theory but through dynamics, experiences, and activities that reinforce the importance of building a community based on respect and cooperation.
School is not just a place for academic learning; it is also a space where students learn to live together. Empathy allows students to:
At our school in Granada, we believe that good school coexistence begins with each student’s ability to put themselves in someone else’s shoes.
Various methodologies exist that allow us to work on empathy in a practical and meaningful way:
Cooperative learning teaches students to collaborate, share responsibilities, and value the effort of every team member.
Literature and theatre are powerful tools for students to explore different points of view and learn to interpret various emotions and situations.
Setting aside time in the classroom to talk about experiences, feelings, and concerns helps students develop active listening and the capacity to understand others.
When disagreements arise, it is essential to support students through the dialogue process so they learn to express their emotions and listen to those of others.
Volunteering or participating in social campaigns allows students to become aware of different realities and connect with the value of helping others.
Empathy is part of emotional education, which aims for students to identify, understand, and manage their emotions healthily. When a student knows how to express how they feel and understands what others are feeling, coexistence becomes smoother and more respectful.
At our bilingual school in Granada, we integrate emotional education into school routines with reflection dynamics, cooperative games, and projects that foster mutual respect and positive communication.
During adolescence, students go through physical, emotional, and social changes that can generate tension in coexistence. Therefore, it is essential to reinforce empathy at this stage, helping them understand that each person experiences their process differently.
At our high school in Granada, we work through debates, collaborative projects, and tutorials so that young people learn to listen to different opinions and value diversity as a strength.
Some activities that can be applied to develop empathy are:
Fostering empathy is not solely the students’ task. Teachers and families must be role models of behavior, demonstrating respect, listening, and understanding toward others in their daily lives.
At our bilingual high school in Granada, we promote the joint involvement of the entire educational community, organizing workshops, activities, and campaigns that reinforce empathy as an essential value for coexistence.
Empathy is a fundamental pillar in the comprehensive education of students. It not only improves relationships within the classroom but also prepares students to navigate a diverse and constantly changing society.
At the Colegio Internacional de Granada, we believe that teaching empathy is teaching coexistence. Through practical experiences, cooperative projects, and emotional education, we train young people who know how to listen, understand, and respect, thus building a stronger school community and a more humane future.
