Leroy Piper said: Empathy is the hardest skill to develop and maintain. As a young adult, the more days you spend on earth you will naturally learn more things. As a learn more things, you will naturally want to display that knowledge in an attempt to display/prove your worth to society at large. Imagine, your best friend gets the news from their boyfriend that “they no longer want to be together and that they need to see other people.” Naturally your friend is emotionally destroyed. What is your next move? Do you say “I’ve been there before, you should do X, to get even? Do you say “F them, lets go out and get some new people to chill with? The answers given above are examples of sympathy. Sympathy is not to be confused with empathy. Feeling sorry for a person is not helpful. It only makes us feel good and does nothing for the hurt individual. Or do you say nothing and just sit in silence and hug your friend? This would be more of an example of empathy. Empathy is the ability to share emotions with a person who has experienced a difficult moment. That does not mean sharing your experience or what you would do. It means making yourself vulnerable to channel emotions that so feel what that person is feeling and sharing in a moment that does not feel good. The ability to listen empathically, is very difficult. The ability to not try and solve the problem of the person and tell from our own experience is skill that requires maturity. Tonight, your homework assignment will be to call a friend and listen to their day and or the worst part of their day. You will not display sympathy but work on empathy. Good luck Ernest Harvey said: People tend to confuse sympathy with empathy or they just don’t know the difference between the two at all. The best way I could describe empathy is knowing or having a understanding of the emotions someone is having about a certain situation, based off of previous experiences you have had with the situation at hand or putting yourself in that persons shoes. For example, say one of your friends gets laid off from their job, you would easily be able to empathize with them if you had been laid off from a job before. It would be more sympathetic if you had never been laid off of a job before and rather than understanding what they are feeling you feel sorry for them instead. When we empathize with someone we may use active listening. Active listening is when we pay attention to what the other is saying. As we listen to what they are saying we should refrain from judging. What I mean by this is no matter how we may feel about the situation ourselves, we don’t project those feelings onto them. If we did that it could cause the person to have a negative reaction towards us. In certain cases it’s also best not to try to counsel the one who’s sharing. When I say the word counsel I mean trying to give them a solution or peace of mind, although this may be our first instinct at times we shouldn’t always do it. It’s also great to display good mannerisms when having a moment of empathy, such as having good posture and making eye contact to show you really are paying close attention to what is being said. The reason why people may struggle with empathy is the fact that they don’t care. Most of us have our own problems to deal with and sometimes feel like we are too busy focusing on our own well being to be worried about someone else’s. The best way to teach empathy is to bring up real life sceneries that most people would be able to relate to good or bad such as promotions or death of a loved one, something that the average everyday person would find relatable. Brandon Jones said: I would define empathy as the act of trying to see someone else’s problem through their eyes. Trying to understand what steps had led up to this feeling and trying to be nonjudgmental. This is difficult for most people to comprehend because you must try to see the problem from someone else’s perspective. Therefore, it is easy to define the act of empathy but the actual act of empathizing with someone is hard to perform. If I were trying to teach a class about empathy, I would begin by taking a controversial topic. Then have the class to step back from the way they feel about the issue and try to see the topic from their fellow classmate’s point of view. Only after trying to understand something from an unfamiliar perspective than their own could they attempt to empathize with someone in a non-bias view. I believe this would be the best way to teach a class about empathy, because they need to be able to successfully see a topic from an unfamiliar perspective than their own before trying to empathize with someone on an issue that a person is struggling with on an emotional level. If the teacher would begin with the problem, I believe most people would automatically draw their own conclusion and then try and tell them how to fix the issue instead of listening to the problem and then trying to comfort them.

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.