The Office of the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, in collaboration with the Center for Innovative Teaching and Educational Delivery and the Educational Technology Center, implemented the first pocket learning session titled “Cultivating Ethical Practice through Empathy toward Students” last October 29 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, via Zoom. This learning session aims to reinforce the initial discussion on the Institutional Standards of Professional Ethics (ISPE) that took place during the Institutional Faculty Training Program on August 4, 2025.
Empathy has been emphasized as an essential dimension of ethical teaching. It is articulated in the various articles of the ISPE, specifically highlighting compassionate mentorship, respect for learners, fair treatment, avoidance of exploitation, creating a conducive learning environment, and upholding the dignity of each person.
Learning Session Objectives:
1. Describe the concept of empathy as an ethical dimension of teaching based on the Institutional Standards of Professional Ethics (ISPE) and Thomasian values.
2. Appreciate empathy as an ethical responsibility grounded in respect, fairness, and compassion toward students.
3. Apply empathetic communication techniques in a brief reflective or simulated online interaction that models ethical and respectful teacher–student engagement.
Asst. Prof’L. Lect. Renz Christian Argao, PhD, Academic Staff from the Graduate School, served as the resource person. He provided practical strategies on how to extend empathy to students in various situations.
Senior Counselor Analene A. Bala, MA and Senior Counselor Iren Frances D. Velasco, MA served as the moderators.
There will be succeeding pocket training sessions during the Second Term of AY 2025-2026 to further reinforce the other ethical dimensions emphasized in the ISPE.