Teaching Students About Serial Killers
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As a teacher, it is important to provide students with a well-rounded education that includes not only academic subjects but also important life lessons. One topic that is often overlooked but can provide valuable insights into human behavior and the criminal justice system is serial killers.
While the mere mention of serial killers might make some people uneasy, it is important to approach the topic with sensitivity and a purpose. The goal is not to glorify or romanticize these individuals but rather to understand their motivations and the impact their actions had on their victims and society as a whole.
One way to introduce the topic is through literature. There are many true crime books and memoirs written by or about serial killers that can be used to spark discussions in the classroom. For example, Ted Bundy’s conversations with a psychologist while on death row provide a glimpse into his twisted psyche, while Ann Rule’s “The Stranger Beside Me” details her personal relationship with Bundy while working together at a suicide hotline.
Another option is to use documentaries or films that explore the subject matter. “The Ted Bundy Tapes” on Netflix provides an in-depth look at one of America’s most notorious serial killers, while “Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes” delves into the mind of Ed Kemper.
When teaching about serial killers, it is critical to emphasize the impact their actions had on their victims and society as a whole. The focus should be on the injustice and tragedy that occurred, not on the killer as an individual. It’s essential to remind students that although these killers may have fascinating stories, they were responsible for the deaths of innocent individuals and caused pain and suffering to countless people.
Moreover, it is also important to discuss how, and why, society is fascinated with the subject. Why do we romanticize the idea of the serial killer, when we should be horrified by their actions? What role do media portrayals of these individuals play in shaping public perception? Exploring these questions can provide students with insights into the human psyche and the societal forces that shape our attitudes towards such matters.
In conclusion, teaching students about serial killers can be a valuable way to engage them in discussions about criminal justice, psychology, and ethics. However, it’s important to always approach the topic with sensitivity and a focus on understanding the victims, the system, and the societal forces that drive the public fascination with these individuals. By doing so, teachers can provide students with a deep understanding of not only the topic but also of the human condition as a whole.