Decoding The Journey, Part One

Empathy by Design

I was incredibly honoured to write & illustrate “Decoding,” published in the Simon Fraser University Education Review Journal, Vol. 15 No. 1 (2023) on Disrupting and Decentering Dominant Science Education Teaching Practices in STEM/STEAM education.

My approach looks at the unique interplay of neurodiversity in educational settings. As a neurodivergent individual, my experiences have deeply informed my understanding of how empathy, art, and science converge in the realm of education.

This post looks at the empathy discussion from Decoding, and digs a little deeper on how empathy through artistic practices can enrich a more diverse learning experience.

Follow the following links to read the full article:

Full Issue via Simon Fraser Univiersity: Link
Decoding article only: Link

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4316-5651,
Author: Daniel Asel
Published: Dec 18, 2023

The Neurodivergent Palette

For someone neurodivergent, empathy in education isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential. It’s the palette from which educators can draw to colour their teaching methods, understanding that each student perceives and interacts with the world in uniquely beautiful ways. My journey, marked by the challenges and insights of dyslexia, has taught me that empathy is the key to unlocking the full potential of neurodivergent minds.

Seeing Through a Neurodivergent Lens

In Decoding I reference the Indigenous practice of “Seeing the Spirit”, as referenced in the First Peoples Child and Family Review, 2010. In art and design, the essence of a subject is paramount. Design thinking works much like this as well by building empathy around the end user experience. Similarly, when designing for education, “seeing the spirit” of a student – particularly a neurodivergent one – involves recognizing and valuing their unique way of processing the world. It’s about understanding that what might be perceived as a learning barrier can actually be a window into a rich, alternative perspective. In a future post I’ll get into neurodivergent super powers, but for now, let’s focus on some basics.

Blending Art and Science in Neurodiverse Education:

1. Design Thinking with Empathy: Approaching education with a design thinking mindset means solving problems empathetically. For neurodivergent students, this involves creating learning strategies that acknowledge and leverage their unique cognitive landscapes.
2. Narrative and Storytelling: As a neurodivergent individual, I find that storytelling in education can transform abstract concepts into relatable narratives, making learning more accessible and engaging. My work with the Boston Red Sox is a prime example of linking relatable content to curricular material. Many cultures around the world have blended storytelling through art as a means to explore science. For Western cultures, we seemed to silo our scientific disciplines around the time of the enlightenment, which strayed away from this inherent attribute of exploring the natural world. Great storytelling in education is not just beneficial to neurodivergent students, but also a benefit to all.
3. Sensory-Rich Experiential Learning: Just as art engages the senses in diverse ways, experiential learning can cater to the varied sensory experiences of neurodivergent learners, enhancing their understanding and retention. Exploring the senses creates an embodied learning experienced, laying base to a more enhanced experience overall.

Accessible Design

Incorporating accessible design in education is not just about compliance; it’s an art that respects the diverse sensory experiences of neurodivergent learners. This approach ensures that educational content is not only inclusive but also resonates with the unique ways in which neurodivergent students experience the world. As tech continues to enter the classroom at an ever increasing scale, this will prove to be a key area where designers, scientists, and educators to innovate together.

In Conclusion

The fusion of empathy, art, and science in education, viewed through a neurodivergent lens, offers a rich and multifaceted approach to teaching and learning. By embracing the unique perspectives of neurodivergent learners and integrating these into our educational methods, we create a more inclusive, empathetic, and vibrant learning environment. This approach not only supports neurodivergent learners but also enriches the educational experience for all.