Outbursts
I have had occasions when a student will 'blurt out' something. Unless it requires followup, like a discriminatory remark, I usually ignor it so that I do not shine a light on it and the behavior. That seems to work but are there other, better approaches?
Hi Oriole,
You did the right thing. Higher authority should always have your back. This student should have been suspended due to violating the conduct code.
Patricia
So what would you do if the student refused to leave the room.
I had this happen with a student, who then went verbaly bullistic on me. The student was sorry later, but at the time I left the room to get someone of higher authority. That person just stood there and didn't remove the student from class. Lucky the class was almost over by the time she showed up.
I agree. As soon as you cease to be a professional, you have lost the arguement. Don't be afraid to "call in reinforcements".
I've had a situation where a student's temper was escalating. The situation involved cheating. She and two others were asked to go into an empty ajoining room where my department chair and I calmly discussed the incident with the students and the schools' clearly stated consequences. The other two students' responses were appropriate and admitted to the cheating. The female student erupted into a louder confrontation. We were able to "temporarily" defuse the situation by staying calm and letting her know that she could appeal to the school's director. She was still angry, but left the room without any further incident. Unfortunately, the following school day, the powers that be did not stay calm with her and they ended up having to call the police. My point of all of this: Never, never get drawn into a verbal (or otherwise) confrontation with a student. A higher authority needs to deal with potentially explosive situations.
Hi Martin,
Do not put students or yourself in harm's way. Immediately get adminstration involved.
Patricia
Waht do you recommend, if it appears the siruation could become dangerous for other students in the classroom? Marty
Hi Martin,
Yes, address it right then in a tactful yet professional manner, and then follow up immediately after class to have a firm conversation with the student.
Patricia
