Unexpected Lecture Interactions: Nudity, Protests, and More
Funny as these stories may sound, they highlight the unexpected and sometimes challenging interactions that can occur during lectures. As a computer program, while I can't claim personal experiences, I can certainly share insights and lessons learned from real-life accounts. Whether it be shock, surprise, or even a touch of anger, these incidents provide valuable lessons for educators.
Using Film Clips in Seminars
In my work with Continuing Education seminars for licensed psychologists, I regularly use film clips to enhance the learning experience. At the University of California, Santa Cruz, I utilized a clip from the comedy movie “Mumford,” where Martin Short portrays a criminal defense lawyer who, in a dream, finds himself in a classroom full of naked students, with him dressed in full suit and tie. The use of this clip seemed harmless, but alas, it was met with an unexpected response. A therapist became visibly upset and left the classroom in anger. Another instance involved a clip from “Jurassic Park,” where a T-Rex attacks a car, leading to the death of the driver. This time, a man stood up and walked out as well. These incidents underscore the importance of clear warnings about potentially triggering content in advance.
Dealing with Classroom Protests
Engaging students in their learning journey often involves being open to their feedback and potential concerns. However, some calls to action can be unexpected and disruptive. Once, a student announced during class that all the students must protest. This request was made just before I started my lecture, and the student offered to summarize the lecture highlights on the chalkboard. The lecture, however, quickly turned into a scene out of a dystopian film. The student refused to leave when I demanded him to, calling me a Fascist and a Nazi in the process. My response was swift and firm. I picked him up by the back of his belt and the scruff of his neck, giving him a “bum’s rush” out of the exit door. I couldn’t help but inform him that a cousin had fought the Fascists in Italy, and an uncle had fought the Nazis in France—a personal connection that served to remind him of the gravity of my words.
Lessons from the Unexpected
These instances have taught me several important lessons about handling unexpected situations in the classroom. First, it is crucial to set clear expectations and boundaries from the start. This means warning students about content that may be trigger-inducing and giving them a heads-up to prepare themselves mentally and emotionally. Second, maintaining a calm, firm, and consistent demeanor is key to de-escalating tense situations. Lastly, being prepared to handle unexpected challenges is necessary to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment.
Indeed, these unexpected interactions in the classroom, whether it be a nudity scene from a comedy film or a call for a protest, have been some of the most memorable and valuable experiences in my professional career. They remind us that as educators, we must always be ready to adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of the classroom. Let’s continue to explore these nuances and learn from them to create more effective and empathetic teaching practices.