The importance of ‘teaching with empathy’
Amid the challenges faced by students brought about by various instances and influences, having a positive learning environment where they feel supported and allowed to cope makes a big difference.
Recognizing that having a positive learning environment is crucial to the overall growth of students, the Technological Institute of the Philippines (T.I.P.) highlighted the importance of empathy in teaching as the school celebrates its 61st founding anniversary this year.
“Our goal as a school is not only limited to us teaching our students what we know, but we must also nurture their strengths, acknowledge their weaknesses, and encourage their potential,” said T.I.P. President Dr. Elizabeth Quirino-Lahoz.
“With empathy as our anchor, we must be more mindful of their needs,” she added.
Quirino-Lahoz stressed that the academic institution, which was founded by her parents Engr. Demetrio A. Quirino and Dr. Teresita U. Quirino in 1962, continues to strive not only to provide knowledge but promote healthy coping mechanisms that will help its students deal with the uncertainties of the ever-changing world.
She then urged the academic community to assist those who might be in need. “Look out for those who are struggling and ask how we can help, making sure no one gets left behind,” Quirino-Lahoz said.
“Similar to how we were in our younger years, our students are in need of a stable and reliable support system... Listen and be present to them,” she added.
With the theme “Celebrating 61 Years of Evolving Innovative Education,” T.I.P. marks its founding anniversary to express its commitment to growth as an institution guided by the vision of making quality higher education accessible to every Filipino.
In particular, Quirino-Lahoz underscored the value of empathy between the educators, students, and their parents as well as the management and staff who are working hard to achieve the shared goals and aspirations of the entire community.
“To our students, please also do your best with your studies. We can and will support you with our utmost best,” she said. “But the grit and determination to finish your studies on time still comes from within you... Let us all be our best for each other,” she added.
In the past six decades, T.I.P. remained committed towards provide quality education despite having to weather adversities that came along the way.
Like most schools, T.I.P. also had to deal with the challenges presented by a global public health crisis which reshaped the future of learning.
To ensure that it can continue learning delivery, T.I.P. maximized the use of its prior investments in digital infrastructure and enabled the school to deliver its education purely online in the first quarter of 2020.
In compliance with government mandates, T.I.P. has resumed full face-to-face classes for all its campuses in Manila and Quezon City beginning January this year or the start of the second semester for the school year 2022-2023.
However, it remains open to extending some degree of flexibility to those still having trouble with the transition.