When your teaching touches on genocide, war, violence or other sensitive topics, lecturers, researchers and students alike can experience negative emotions such as sadness or anger. Yet in higher education, there is often little space to acknowledge these feelings. “Emotions are still far too often seen as unprofessional, while recognising them can actually boost resilience and a stronger sense of community,” say VU assistant professors Maartje Weerdesteijn (Criminal Law and Criminology) and Marije Luitjens (Peace Studies and International Relations).
At the same time, it isn’t always easy for lecturers to navigate these situations. As a result, ‘role strain’ can arise: they may feel not only like a lecturer, but also like a therapist. Even though they are not trained for that role.
How can lecturers navigate the emotional impact of teaching sensitive topics? Weerdesteijn and Luitjens share their insights from their teaching practice.