Responding to pushback

When we bring certain themes into the classroom we may not always get a positive response. A learner may sigh or roll their eyes. A parent might ask, 'Why are you teaching this?' Even colleagues can question, 'Is this really school material?' Pushback happens. The key is not to argue but to respond calmly and with clarity. 

Before viewing

Reflect on the questions and discuss with a colleague if possible. 

Have you ever received pushback from learners, parents or other teachers when you discussed certain topics in class? What happened? How did you respond? 

Look at the six tips below. For each one, think of how these might help to deal with pushback.  

1. Clarify the purpose.
2. Link to the curriculum.
3. Emphasise inclusion, not politics.
4. Invite dialogue, not confrontation.
5. Set boundaries with learners.
6. Take your time. 

While watching 

Task 1 – Watch the video  

• Make a note of the advice given in each tip. 

Answers

• Clarify the purpose. We're not telling learners what to think. We're teaching them how to think critically, listen respectfully and see multiple perspectives.

• Link to curriculum. You can say 'This project builds language skills, teamwork and problem solving. it meets the same standards as any other unit.'

• Emphasise inclusion, not politics. If someone says, 'This feels political', you could say 'In our school we aim to ensure that every student feels seen, safe and valued. That's a foundation for learning.'

• Invite dialogue, not confrontation. For parents, focus on life skills and share materials. You could say 'Here's the worksheet and discussion questions. The focus is on critical thinking and respectful listening.' For colleagues, share strategies, not debates. You could say 'In my class learners explore this topic through art and writing. Would you like to see some examples?'.

• Set boundaries with learners. If a learner dismisses or jokes, respond calmly. 'I noticed that comment. In this class, we listen respectfully, you don't have to agree, but you do need to listen.' If behaviour continues, follow up privately. 'We've discussed respectful listening. I need you to participate without interrupting, so that we can keep the discussion safe for everyone.'

• Take your time. You don't need to answer everything. It's OK to say 'That's a good question. Let me think and get back to you.'

Transcript

Responding to pushback.

When we bring certain themes into the classroom, not everyone agrees. A learner may sigh or roll their eyes, A parent might ask 'Why are you teaching this?' Even colleagues can question 'Is this really school material?' Pushback happens. The key is not to argue but to respond calmly and with clarity.

One: Clarify the purpose. We're not telling learners what to think. We're teaching them how to think critically, listen respectfully and see multiple perspectives.

Two: Link to curriculm. You can say 'This project builds language skills, teamwork and problem solving. It meets the same standards as any other unit.'

Three: Emphasise inclusion, not politics. If someone says, 'This feels political', you could say 'In our school we aim to ensure that every student feels seen, safe and valued. That's a foundation for learning.'

Four: Invite dialogue, not confrontation. For parents, focus on life skills and share materials. You could say 'Here's the worksheet and discussion questions. The focus is on critical thinking and respectful listening.' For colleagues, share strategies, not debates. You could say 'In my class learners explore this topic through art and writing. Would you like to see some examples?'.

Five: Set boundaries with learners. If a learner dismisses or jokes, respond calmly. 'I noticed that comment. In this class, we listen respectfully, you don't have to agree, but you do need to listen.' If behaviour continues, follow up privately. 'We've discussed respectful listening. I need you to participate without interrupting, so that we can keep the discussion safe for everyone.'

Six: Take your time. You don't need to answer everything. It's OK to say 'That's a good question. Let me think and get back to you.'

Pushback doesn't mean we're wrong. It means the conversation matters. Responding with clarity, respect and openness models the dialogue and resilience we want our learners to carry into the world. 

After viewing

Which of these strategies have you used? Which do you think would be most effective? Tell us in the comments below. 

More on this topic

This video series explores how teachers can help learners think critically, express themselves respectfully, listen with empathy and take positive action on real-world issues. The videos offer practical tips and strategies on how to create equitable, safe and inclusive classrooms, where learners can grow, feel confident in themselves and connect with each other and the world. Explore the other videos in this series below.

Dialogue, not debate

Representing people, not issues 

Creating safe and brave spaces 

Avoiding harm and respecting boundaries

Creative plus collaborative equals real-world impact

Further resources

Help your learners practise their listening skills as they listen to teenagers talking about balancing family expectations with their dreams for the future.

Future expectations lesson plan