How do you discuss sensitive topics in the classroom?

From the manosphere to hate comments on TikTok: sensitive topics come up during lessons, in the schoolyard, and in the corridors of secondary schools. But how do you, as a teacher, deal with them effectively? In collaboration with UniC secondary school in Utrecht and the NUOVO school group, Dynamics of Youth brought together pupils, education professionals, and researchers.

It can be challenging for teachers when strong opinions are voiced in the classroom. During the event ‘Talking about differences’, Bjorn Wansink, Nienke Smit, and Zehra Çolak will engage in a live discussion with teachers and pupils from UniC.

Zehra Çolak is conducting research into pupils’ sense of belonging: the feeling of being welcome and safe at school, of ‘belonging’ and being accepted by teachers and classmates. Her research into the experiences of young people of colour at an urban school shows that feeling safe at school is not a given for many. “It is often well-intentioned to want to give space to all opinions in the classroom, but comments that are completely innocent to one person can be hurtful to another. If you give space to all voices, this will have consequences for certain pupils and their sense of belonging. It is important to be aware of this as a teacher.”

Comments that seem perfectly innocent to one person may be hurtful to another

Reflecting on your own position

Immediately after the 2023 general election, Nienke Smit and her colleagues will investigate how teachers and pupils react to the results in the classroom. What happens when politics enters the classroom? And how do pupils and teachers maintain contact with one another when things get awkward?

Smit: “Teachers say it is important to impart knowledge about politics and the democratic rule of law. But it is also important to acknowledge emotions and to pay attention to social safety – both for the pupils and for the teacher themselves. Reflecting on your own position and perspective as a teacher is key here: does your own opinion or background play a role in how you approach a topic? Education cannot function without dialogue and collaboration with pupils. Listening and asking probing questions provide strength, hope, and insight.”

It is important to reflect on your own position and perspective as a teacher: do your own opinions or background play a part in the way you approach a topic?

Collaboration with the field

During the meeting, young people and teachers also discuss sensitive topics in the classroom. The young people present say that it is good to be able to talk about these things openly in a safe atmosphere. As moderator, Bjorn Wansink sums up by saying that there is never a one-size-fits-all approach to a classroom discussion, but that every situation, every class, and every day is different. It is about inviting pupils to share their perspectives, but also encouraging them to reflect on their own perspectives.

At the same time, as a teacher, you also need to set boundaries when, for example, you are faced with discrimination. Striking a balance between encouraging participation and setting boundaries is a major challenge for teachers. It is very helpful to reflect together with fellow teachers on how to discuss sensitive topics in the classroom, so that we can also find support and inspiration in one another.