Perspective Receiving versus Taking: The Science of Empathy
How accurately are you able to imagine someone else’s perspective?
This community meeting explored the difference between perspective-taking and perspective-receiving, with a focus on how to nurture empathy, listen deeply, and improve relationships in schools. We learned about the science behind these topics and discovered strategies to receive, honor, hold, and respect others’ perspectives to foster deeper understanding and compassion among students and colleagues.
Hosted by Amy L. Eva, Ph.D., Associate Education Director at the Greater Good Science Center. Joined by special guests Erin Vong Limoges and Jessica Fagen from Voice of Witness, an oral history nonprofit that advances human rights by amplifying the stories of people impacted by—and fighting against—injustice.
This meeting is part of a four-part series, How to Improve Relationships in Schools: Bridging Differences through Curiosity, Empathy, Humility, and Forgiveness. Explore and join more meetings here!
Related Resources
Help students perspective-taking and understand the benefits of listening and receiving others’ perspectives.
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Empathy is a building block of morality and a key ingredient of successful relationships in school and beyond.
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Learn how different perspectives result from different backgrounds, building acceptance and valuing differences. Try this practice with upper elementary, middle school, and high school students at the beginning of the school year to help build a trusting classroom climate and to cultivate positive student relationships.
Our guide to the key evidence-based skills and strategies that foster positive dialogue and understanding.
Teaching and Learning for the Greater Good
An online course for educators that puts the science of social-emotional learning and mindfulness into action. (Click here to learn how to earn graduate-level professional development credit for this course.)
