6 Best ways to Teach Difficult   Topics As a Classroom Teacher

Teaching difficult topics is an important part of the education process. But it can also be stressful and overwhelming for both students and teachers. If you anticipate that a certain topic may elicit strong feelings from some students, discuss it with them ahead of time. This can help ensure that they’re in a safe place during class.

1. Educate Yourself

Before you jump right in, do some research on the subject. For example, if you are teaching a course on the Great Depression, take a look at the newspapers from that period to see what was published. This will give you a head start on the class and likely increase your confidence in tackling the most challenging topics.

Be sure to include your students in the discussion by facilitating it and by providing relevant information in the form of task boards, quizzes, and discussion questions. You can also demonstrate your expertise through a little bit of self-promotion and by sharing your own research findings with the class.

2. Be Prepared

As Robert Baden-Powell wrote in his 1908 handbook, the Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared” is a good reminder to be ready for whatever challenges come your way. When teaching a topic that may be difficult, it’s important to be prepared to handle any strong feelings and opinions discussion might stir up.

Consider providing students with opportunities to get familiar with the topic and prepare them for what they might expect in class, including pre-readings that integrate multiple perspectives or a reflective writing task. This helps them to see the context of the conversation ahead of time, and brings to light any feelings or emotions that need further attention or consideration.

3. Be Flexible

When teaching difficult topics, it’s important to be flexible. This can include taking a break, creating different ways to teach the same topic, and adapting your lesson plan accordingly.

Flexibility can also allow you to avoid a stressful situation when it arises. For example, if a student has a mental health problem or other issue, you can show them how to cope with their symptoms instead of trying to force them into perfect behavior.

Being flexible can be a challenge, but it’s a necessary skill for most teachers. It can help you to avoid unnecessary stress and drama in your classroom, which is essential if you want your students to feel confident and comfortable.

4. Be Respectful

When you are teaching difficult topics, it is important to be respectful. This can mean using eye contact purposefully, but it also means avoiding assumptions about students’ backgrounds or generalizations about social groups.

Educate yourself with background knowledge on the topic before you engage in discussion. This way, you can be prepared to ask questions and address concerns without stepping on anyone’s toes.

During the course of discussions, you may hear comments that trigger strong feelings in yourself or your students. Being aware of these emotions will help you stay balanced and focused during the conversation.

5. Be Supportive

As a classroom teacher, you may need to deal with a difficult topic that involves controversial issues such as race, gender, or religion. This can be awkward for students and teachers alike, but it is important to discuss these topics in order to foster a culture of respect and understanding.

Whether you are having a discussion in class or with your student’s parents, it is important to be supportive and approach the conversation with an open mind. This can help build trust and a relationship with your student that can be helpful for their learning in the future.

6. Be Open

Teaching difficult topics can be tricky for teachers. They may not be prepared for the strong feelings and opinions that discussion might stir, or they might not feel comfortable bringing up sensitive issues in class.

But avoiding controversial topics is often a mistake. They distract students from learning and can lead to more conflict in the classroom.

Instead, teach difficult topics in ways that help students see each other’s perspectives more clearly. This can help them learn to listen respectfully to others and appreciate different viewpoints, according to Teaching Tolerance.

Educators who aren’t sure how to approach difficult topics can get support from campus resources or counseling services. They can also consider asking students to share their experiences and backgrounds beforehand so they’re aware of what might be triggering them.