Making difficult moments learnable
In this workshop we explore how moments of tension, disagreement or unexpected statements in the classroom can become opportunities for learning. Teaching sensitive or controversial topics inevitably brings different perspectives into the room and these moments often touch on who we are as teachers and how we relate to our students.
We look at how to recognise rising tension, how to balance safety and challenge, and how to guide difficult interactions without shutting them down. The workshop offers language, perspectives and practical approaches for navigating situations that may feel Heated, Offensive or Tense (HOT moments).
Course details
In this workshop we explore different ways of responding to HOT moments — situations in which tension rises, perspectives collide or students feel affected. We examine what unfolds in the group, in the room and within yourself, and how teachers can hold space for difference while maintaining direction.
You’ll work with realistic scenarios that allow for safe experimentation with different interventions. You learn by trying out new behaviours, examining your own responses and observing others. The aim is to develop a flexible repertoire that supports both safety and meaningful learning.
Intended learning outcome
- To recognise the role of tension in HOT moments
- Appreciate different ways of responding to a HOT moment
- Creating a safe and challenging learning environment in order to use HOT moments as learning opportunities.
Good to know
| Target audience | UvA teaching staff | |
| Language | English en Dutch (see dates) | |
| Trainer | Erjo Beitler (TLC Central) | |
| Participants | Minimum of 5, maximum of 20 participants | |
| Location | One of our UvA locations (see Registration). | |
| Dates |
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| Organised by | TLC Central |
Registration
The course is funded from central funds. Signing up is not non-committal, we will count on your participation.
- Registration buttons for employees with an @UvA.nl email address:
- For AUC, ACTA or FdG (AMC) employees: send an email with your name, faculty and date for which you want to register to tlc-centraal@uva.nl
After registering, you will receive an automated invitation for your Outlook calendar. If there are multiple dates, you’ll get a separate invitation for each (please don’t forget to accept). If the location is not yet known at that time, an update will follow later.
A proof of participation is available upon request. Please send an email to tlc-centraal@uva.nl after the course.
More Information?