Workshop on “Empathy for Effective Teaching” at UOB

Faculty members at the University of Bahrain gained valuable tools to develop key soft skills to enrich their teaching and mentoring practices. This was achieved through their participation in a workshop titled ‘Learning with Empathy: Enhancing Soft Skills in Higher Education Teaching and Mentoring,’ organized by the Unit of Teaching Excellence and Leadership.

Participants explored the importance of emotional intelligence and empathy, learning how to build meaningful connections with colleagues and students through interactive exercises and real-life scenarios. They also gained practical tools to overcome challenges, foster supportive relationships, and enhance their mentoring skills.

“The workshop, led by Dr. Hawra Jaafar Shaikh, Assistant Professor in the Department of Architecture and Interior Design at the College of Engineering, UOB, aimed to develop emotional intelligence and enhance the understanding and management of emotions. It focused on building empathy and counseling skills, as well as developing strategies for effective guidance, improving communication, enhancing interpersonal skills, overcoming challenges, resolving conflicts, and fostering an inclusive environment that supports diverse learning needs.