S11-30007
Switching Roles
An Assistant Principal shows empathy by shadowing a high school student to understand their experiences. This builds trust and creates a supportive school environment. Witnessing empathy teaches us to be compassionate, understanding, and respectful, fostering a kind community.
Activity Time
STEM Concept
Subject & Grades
Interpersonal
15
minutes
All
6th-12th
Connections between STEM Concepts, Learning Targets and Standards
Learning Objective
Students will identify and apply many Interpersonal techniques to everyday situations.
Students will understand how these skills relate to their confidence and success.
Success Criteria
Students will be able to explain why Interpersonal skills are needed for life.
Students will identify and use the appropriate Interpersonal strategies and techniques.
Students will apply Interpersonal approaches to arrive at a practical solution.
Pathway 2: Qualified staff members create STEM courses and curricula that meet recognized
standards and integrate multiple disciplines.
Pathways 4: Leaders involve various community partners and stakeholders to uphold and
maintain STEM programs and initiatives.
Pathway 5: Leaders make sure everyone can regularly learn about STEM implementation.
Pathway 8: Students have school and after-school chances to enhance their STEM learning.
Activity Introduction
Watch this video about how an Assistant Principal in a high school strives to understand the experiences her students have in a typical school day. The AP demonstrates exceptional empathy by shadowing a high school student. This act of empathy is important because it shows the AP's genuine interest in understanding the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of each student. It fosters a sense of connection and trust between students and administrators, ensuring a supportive and inclusive school environment. Witnessing empathy in action teaches us to develop compassion, understanding, and respect for one another. Let us appreciate how we can each take part in empathetic acts and strive to cultivate empathy within ourselves, creating a kind and supportive community.
[Click image to enlarge]
Prompts for group activities
Discuss how interpersonal skills and empathy build connections now and into the future
Being empathetic is crucial for success in jobs and college. Empathy enables effective communication by understanding and relating to others, fostering positive relationships, and facilitating collaboration. It contributes to problem-solving, innovation, and creative thinking by addressing the needs and perspectives of others.
What steps can you take to show empathy and support towards a classmate or friend who is facing a difficult situation?
How might developing empathy and interpersonal skills positively impact your relationships, both within the school community and beyond, and contribute to your personal growth?
Step 1: Watch the video
Switching Roles
Activity Tips
Remind the students to write down words they don’t understand or questions that immediately come to mind about the topic they’re watching.
Tell them to be ready to share with their group.
Step 2:
Group Session
After the video, divide students into groups of 3 or 4 and let the students begin their discussions while you circulate; it’s all about what THEY think and feel. Ask them to listen carefully to their friends as they might have different opinions to them.
Step 3:
Assessment
Ask the students:
Ask the students who they believe the best listeners and best team players are from this activity.
Ask them to justify their answers in a simple sentence.
Explain to them that the idea is everyone improves both their listening and teamwork skills over time.
Ask the students to summarize the video in 6-8 words only.