Chapter 1. Introduction: Empathy: The Building Block of Social Life -- Chapter 2. The Empathy Factor: Its Transcending Power -- Chapter 3. Emerging Empathy: A Developmental Perspective -- Chapter 4. A Study of Empathy in the Early and Middle Childhood Years -- Chapter 5. Nature versus Nurture: The Biology and Psychology of Empathy -- Chapter 6. Attachment and Empathy from the Home to the Classroom: Listening to Learners -- Chapter 7. A Tale of Two Studies: Features of Friendships and Awareness of Fairness -- Chapter 8. The New Teacher: Pupil Voice, Empathy and Emotion -- Chapter 9. Empathy and Emotion in Education and Beyond.

This book explores the construct of empathy and its connection with education. Charting literature on the origins and evolution of the concept of empathy, the author examines the multifaceted nature of empathy and the external and internal influences behind this concept. The relationship between empathy and education is examined through the impact they have on each other for the development of social and emotional understanding, positive social behaviours and effective teaching and learning. In doing so, the author emphasises that empathy apparent in the early years of life is invaluable for enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in future, and should be elicited from pupils and teachers alike. This book will be of interest to practitioners, educational psychologists, and researchers in empathy and its effect on education.