Training Empathy Competence in a Professional Communication Program: Course Development, Evaluation, and Student Reflections

Melissa M. Fuller*, Menno D.T. De Jong, H. A. Van Vuuren

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Introduction: Research shows that empathy is a core competence of communication professionals. Still, the pedagogy of including empathy in professional communication curricula has been underexposed in the literature. About the case: This article describes the development and evaluation of a course aimed at increasing students' empathy competence in the final year of a Dutch bachelor-level communication program. A detailed description of the course is provided. Situating the case: The course operationalizes a recent model of empathy competence in professional communication settings. It focuses on empathy-related skills, knowledge, and attitudes. Experiential learning and student-led discussions are core elements in the course. Methods/approach: The course was taught in two different classes (N = 47). Student evaluations and reflections included standard institutional course assessment data, a report from an institution-led student panel evaluation, and student reflections during coursework as well as before, immediately after, and two years after the course. Results/discussion: The course was evaluated very positively in the institutional course assessment and panel evaluation. The student reflections show that students had a great appreciation for the course overall, as well as for specific course elements. The course made them aware of the complexity and multifaceted nature of empathy, and had a profound impact on their professional and personal identity. Conclusion: This article demonstrates the effectiveness of a course designed to develop empathy competence in communication professionals and advocates for future research to explore long-term effects and cross-industry applications.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)488-501
Number of pages14
JournalIEEE transactions on professional communication
Volume67
Issue number4
Early online date9 Oct 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Keywords

  • 2024 OA procedure
  • interpersonal communication
  • pedagogy
  • professional communication
  • professional competencies
  • Empathy

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