In Focus: Tackling Sensitive Topics in Teaching
In Focus has returned for 2023-24 and we are delighted to report the success of the first In Focus event, held 21st March 2024 in the School of the Arts Library. In this session, Dr J’Annine Jobling delivered an informative and interactive workshop regarding tackling sensitive topics in teaching. Current postgraduate researchers and academic staff participated in the session, allowing for a fruitful cross-disciplinary and staff-student discussion.
Some of the highlights of the session included hearing from our postgraduate researchers and academic staff regarding their teaching methods, best practice when dealing with sensitive topics, and how to create an atmosphere of open discussion around potentially sensitive topics, while also ensuring mutual respect in a safe environment.
Attendees were encouraged to share their own experiences and to think about alternative pedagogical strategies that may be useful. The cross-disciplinary nature of the event sparked various discussions, including how different disciplines face their own particular challenges when it comes to teaching certain topics, but also that sensitive topics come in many forms and, with the right tools and approaches, these can be a source of lively and critical discussion that both students and teachers can benefit from. The discussion also covered the dynamics of seminars, and potential approaches to dealing with conversations that touch upon sensitive topics.
Some of the feedback received noted that ‘the session was so helpful for people who might teach in their career because sensitive topics are not always avoidable’, and also that the theoretical considerations and practical advice would be useful in the classroom setting.
We would like to thank Dr Jobling and all the attendees for making this such a successful event, and we hope to see you in the next one!
View the presentation slides here: