Loose Triggers: Tackling Uncomfortable Topics in the Language Classroom

List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)

Tanya Romero-González

Presentation Format

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Abstract/Description

Loose Triggers: Tackling Uncomfortable Topics in the Language Classroom

Disparadores sueltos: abordando temas incómodos en el aula de idiomas

The use or omission of trigger warnings in the classroom setting is a controversial topic. Should trigger warnings be used before teaching uncomfortable topics such as religious beliefs, the impacts of violence, home-life or graphic descriptions? How does one deal with these topics in the classroom? While some research has been conducted in an attempt to find an answer to these questions, there have been no consistent answers or established policies for educators to turn to. The gap in this research has delayed the construction of potentially enlightening lesson plans as well as prohibited further real world learning for students. This project will focus specifically on the language classroom and the challenges and cultural implications that arise when dealing with uncomfortable topics. This research will fill the gap by conducting surveys with students and teachers and experimenting with different teaching styles and lessons that encourage creativity, participation, cultural awareness and critical thinking. This research project will serve as an opportunity to discover new ways in which to reestablish that the language classroom is an area of enlightenment for subject matters of all types as well as provide an outlet for educators so that they are encouraged not to fear tackling uncomfortable subjects in the classroom.

Kathryn Granstaff

Double Major:

Secondary English Education & P-12 Spanish Teaching Certification

Class of 2016

Research Advisor: Tanya Romero-González

Location

Barkley Room, Curris Center

Start Date

April 2016

End Date

April 2016

Affiliations

Modern Languages Senior Colloquium

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Apr 19th, 3:30 PM Apr 19th, 5:30 AM

Loose Triggers: Tackling Uncomfortable Topics in the Language Classroom

Barkley Room, Curris Center

Loose Triggers: Tackling Uncomfortable Topics in the Language Classroom

Disparadores sueltos: abordando temas incómodos en el aula de idiomas

The use or omission of trigger warnings in the classroom setting is a controversial topic. Should trigger warnings be used before teaching uncomfortable topics such as religious beliefs, the impacts of violence, home-life or graphic descriptions? How does one deal with these topics in the classroom? While some research has been conducted in an attempt to find an answer to these questions, there have been no consistent answers or established policies for educators to turn to. The gap in this research has delayed the construction of potentially enlightening lesson plans as well as prohibited further real world learning for students. This project will focus specifically on the language classroom and the challenges and cultural implications that arise when dealing with uncomfortable topics. This research will fill the gap by conducting surveys with students and teachers and experimenting with different teaching styles and lessons that encourage creativity, participation, cultural awareness and critical thinking. This research project will serve as an opportunity to discover new ways in which to reestablish that the language classroom is an area of enlightenment for subject matters of all types as well as provide an outlet for educators so that they are encouraged not to fear tackling uncomfortable subjects in the classroom.

Kathryn Granstaff

Double Major:

Secondary English Education & P-12 Spanish Teaching Certification

Class of 2016

Research Advisor: Tanya Romero-González