Development of an Empathetic Competency Improvement Program: Focused on Middle School Students

The purpose of this study is to develop programs to enhance the empathetic community competency of middle school students. First, the core competences for program development were derived in order to establish a empathetic community. Second, the design principles for program development were derived. Third, the draft program was developed based on core competences and design principles. Fourth, expert reviews were conducted to justify the program internally, and the first revision of the program was made. Fifth, the program was applied on-site to seven classes in middle school for external validity of the program, and the program was completed after the second revision with feedback from teachers and students. The final completed program consists of 13 chapters of 5 modules. The five modules can be used separately and together to meet the needs of various sites. Since empathetic skills are the most fundamental skills that people should have in their society, if students can properly learn them in their school communities, they can lead healthier, happier, and successful lives.