Empathy, Emotion and Education

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xii

   PDF

2. Introduction: Empathy—The Building Block of Social Life

   • Helen Demetriou

   Pages 1-13

3. The Empathy Factor: Its Transcending Power

   • Helen Demetriou

   Pages 15-33

4. Emerging Empathy: A Developmental Perspective

   • Helen Demetriou

   Pages 35-83

5. A Study of Empathy in the Early and Middle Childhood Years

   • Helen Demetriou

   Pages 85-128

6. Nature Versus Nurture: The Biology and Psychology of Empathy

   • Helen Demetriou

   Pages 129-157

7. Attachment and Empathy from the Home to the Classroom: Listening to Learners

   • Helen Demetriou

   Pages 159-190

8. A Tale of Two Studies: Features of Friendships and Awareness of Fairness

   • Helen Demetriou

   Pages 191-237

9. The New Teacher: Pupil Voice, Empathy and Emotion

   • Helen Demetriou

   Pages 239-277

10. Empathy and Emotion in Education and Beyond

    • Helen Demetriou

    Pages 279-306

11. Back Matter

    Pages 307-311

    PDF

This book explores the construct of empathy and its connection with education. Charting literature on the origins and evolution of the concept of empathy, the author examines the multifaceted nature of empathy and the external and internal influences behind this concept. The relationship between empathy and education is examined through the impact they have on each other for the development of social and emotional understanding, positive social behaviours and effective teaching and learning. In doing so, the author emphasises that empathy apparent in the early years of life is invaluable for enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in future, and should be elicited from pupils and teachers alike. This book will be of interest to practitioners, educational psychologists, and researchers in empathy and its effect on education.

• education
• emotion
• empathy
• psychology
• early childhood education

“In this book, Helen Demetriou makes a compelling case for empathy being at the core of human social life.  Dr Demetriou is an expert on the development of empathy from infancy through childhood and its importance for children’s education.  Across the chapters of her book, she weaves together different strands of theory and research on empathy, showing how the ability to feel for and take on the perspective of other people contributes to life in families, peer groups and classrooms.  Her synthesis of the literature on empathy will be of interest to psychologists, education researchers, teachers and others who work with children and their families.” (Professor Dale Hay, Cardiff Centre for Human Developmental Science, UK)

“This seminal work brings new meanings to familiar terms and everyday language with a depth of understanding, illustrating the crucial difference between a-ffective and e-ffective teaching, exploring baby morality and the deeply embedded childhood need for fairness and reciprocity. The scope and originality of this work reflects half a lifetime of research into classroom life and pupil voice. A must read for teachers, parents and those who 'care' for children, in both meanings of that word.” (Emeritus Professor John MacBeath, University of Cambridge, UK)

“This fascinating book provides the reader with deep insight into the development of children and young people. The vital importance of empathy within the individual and the social context is explored. This evidence-informed study will support teachers seeking to engage with the voice of the child in creating an environment for teaching and learning where limits are not set. I recommend this highly.” (Professor Dame Alison Peacock, Chief Executive of the Chartered College of Teaching)

• Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom

  Helen Demetriou

Helen Demetriou teaches at the Faculty of Education of the University of Cambridge, UK. Her research covers areas across developmental psychology and education. Helen is on the editorial advisory board for journals including Improving Schools, Social Development, and Educational Studies, and has written and published widely on topics including friendships, pupil consultation and empathy.

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