Lesson planning for sensitive subjects
commentary by Daniel Duerden | January 19, 2012
Recently, an elementary school in Georgia came under fire for math problems that used examples of slavery in word problems. No less than a week later, another teacher came under fire for having a lesson plan on slavery that had students imagining what it would be like being a slave. While these teachers had the best of intentions tackling a sensitive, yet important subject, these incidents highlight the importance of being sensitive to the students.
By no means should a teacher shy away from sensitive or controversial subjects, especially in history and social studies classes. While slavery was the topic of interest in these two recent examples, a host of issues could come up in the classroom.
According to one study by the Education Resources Information Center, tackling these controversial or sensitive topics is crucial to preparing students for their roles as citizens, developing critical thinking skills, and improving interpersonal skills.
However, the way a teacher handles these topics is critical, as the teacher has the ability to shape viewpoints, attitudes and opinions. And if handled incorrectly, the teacher can have the ability to offend, and hurt the student. In the case of these two examples race was the main issue, however, other topics can bring up other issues. It is important for the teacher to recognize these potential issues before issuing and even creating assignments.
One way to do that is to get to know the students and their families better, and even include them in on the assignment. If an assignment looks to potentially cause issues, like these recent examples, including the parents prior to assigning the homework could prevent problems. At the same time, offer alternate assignments for students who may be uncomfortable with it as well.
As stated earlier though, teachers should not avoid these topics, they should just be better prepared to handle them. Author, William J. Kreidler gives seven tips on handling sensitive issues:
1. Make your classroom a safe place in which to ask questions and discuss ideas. It is important to ensure that the student will not feel stupid for asking questions, or not completely understanding all aspects of the issue in discussion.
2. Listen to the concerns students have. One of the most important things to children and teenagers is being heard. Make sure to listen to the student, it can help in understanding how to address the topic and make assignments.
3. Gently correct any misinformation.
4. Reassure children. This can come through correcting misinformation, but make sure students understand how the topic affects them, or if it even affects them at all.
5. Help them find answers to their questions. If the teacher does not have the answer readily available then, make sure to lead them to a place where they can find that answer.
6. Don’t burden children with adult concerns. Make sure to not add any other burdens that they have no control over as a child or teenager.
7. Emphasize that conflicts are opportunities. Remind the student that resolving conflicts and discussing issues such as these are opportunities for growth.
In addition to these tips, it is important for a teacher to remain neutral. Too often teachers get into trouble because they cannot keep their opinions and viewpoints to themselves. If an issue has multiple sides or view points, don’t side with one over the other.
The case of the slavery math problems was just poor judgment from teachers stretching to implement history and social studies into math. However, the teacher trying to get the students to imagine what it was like being a slave, could have avoided controversy by talking to parents and paying attention to students needs and feelings prior to issuing the assignment.
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