“We’re All in It Together”: Student Perspectives on Compassionate Pedagogy in Higher Education

Abstract

The value of compassion in promoting student wellbeing is being increasingly recognised by higher education institutions. Integrating compassion within pedagogic practice to develop a compassionate learning environment is important for wider student benefit. This qualitative study explores healthcare student perspectives and experiences regarding compassionate pedagogy. Four activity-oriented focus groups were conducted with undergraduate students. Thematic analysis identified five themes: connection, recognising the student as a whole person, cultivating compassion together, physical environment, and processes and systems. Findings suggest that students view compassion as extending far beyond classroom activities. They see it as a reciprocal process involving all individuals within an institution, requiring a change in institutional culture that prioritises students and staff as whole people. The insights provided by the students in this study are important in shaping a more compassionate higher education environment that minimises distress and maximises flourishing. Recommendations to enhance compassionate pedagogy are provided.