From discomfort to dialogue: how to teach controversial topics with confidence

From Discomfort to Dialogue: Teaching Controversial Topics with Confidence

Teaching sensitive topics can be challenging, but with structure and openness, they can become powerful opportunities for learning.

Teaching topics that are controversial or emotionally difficult is both rewarding and daunting, whether it relates to introducing students to theories of crime, discussing mental health diagnoses, or unpacking debates around sex and gender.

Controversial content can provoke strong reactions and often challenge the personal values of those in our classrooms.

To move past discomfort and into a zone of personal and academic growth, a shift in teaching approach is necessary.

In the teaching of forensic psychology, this challenge is faced head-on, with a recent redesign of a module on sexual offending moving away from a lecture-heavy model towards an approach rooted in interactivity, problem-solving, and applied learning.

This shift has supported students’ learning and created a safer, more inclusive classroom.

By moving away from a lecture-heavy model and incorporating interactivity, problem-solving, and applied learning, we can create a safer and more inclusive classroom environment.

Author's summary: Teaching sensitive topics requires confidence and a structured approach.

more

Times Higher Education Times Higher Education — 2025-10-14

More News