Daniel Andrzejewski, IEFL, Language Center, gave a presentation titled "Encouraging Empathy and Dialogue through Journal Exchange" at the The 44th Annual TESOL Greece Annual International Convention "Reflective Practitioners, Empowered Learners" on March 11, 2023.  The conference features 50 invited speakers from around the world and members of TESOL Greece.

Using the framework of cultural humility (Tervalon & Murray-Garcia, 1998) (Gallardo, 2013), a process of self-reflection and creation of partnerships is necessary to increase intercultural communication and understanding between students and teachers in ELT.  In order to encourage students to make empathic connections to the presenter’s cultural and life experiences, and for the presenter’s understanding of students’ lived experiences, a form of dialogue journal writing (Peyton & Reed, 1990) was implemented among Japanese university students.  Students read and reacted to the instructor’s life experience and thoughts.  They then made empathic inferences and ask questions.  These journals were then responded to and commented on by the presenter, creating a dialogue for future journals.  The framework, curriculum, and results of this journal exercise were discussed as well as future implications for the role of empathy in ELT.