Just as the civic asset of perspective taking can lead to altruism, altruism can lead to perspective taking, among other benefits. This New York Times article describes a variety of research on the benefits of helping others, including research by Adam Grant, professor of psychology at University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, who explains that those who listen to others’ challenges and attempt to help them are enriched by those perspectives and generally display greater levels of happiness and satisfaction in life.
Toolkit Library/
The science of helping out
Making connections:
Principled Innovation asks us to work with others and recognize the limits of our own knowledge so that we can better understand and tackle the complex issues our communities face.
What makes altruism altruistic?
Video
15 minutes
By: Principled Innovation® (PI)
What is empathy?
Video
3 minutes
By: Ashoka Foundation
The power of inclusive education
Video
11 minutes
By: Ilene Schwartz, TEDx
To understand your students, use “compassionate curiosity.”
Article
15 minutes
By: Education Week, Kyle Redford
K-5 Card Deck Activity: Empathy
Tool
15 minutes
By: Principled Innovation® (PI)