Angry students
I have had angry students. Listening is tougher than it sounds. I find it works best to pull them out of class and have a one on one discussion about the issue before it escalates.
I like the one on one discussion method it seem to work great for me. most of the time they just need someone to listen.
Hi Leslie,
Our students certainly have a lot going on. We have to provide continuous encouragement to our students.
Patricia Scales
Sometimes we will have students who are upset ,usually this is due to pressure from external area's ( usually home or peers). So when this happens we need to find the source and encourage them that can and will suceed.
I'd much prefer a one-to-one discussion than a heated in-class argument any day. Nothing results from an alpha-male v. alpha male yelling match.
I like what Chuck recommends about reflecting outloud to a student or active listening. I think this tends to validate the student's frustrations and in effect, can diffuse the situation.
Eric,
My experience has been similar and I agree that the first thing to remember when engaging with the "angry student" is to try and diffuse the atmosphere and redirect the emotion as best as possible. This may require offering the student a chance to take a minute to decompress outside of the classroom. Also I try to remember to definitely not "react" but rather "respond" instead and try to see their perspective as best is possible.
When in a one-to-one dialogue I try to reflect back with an "I hear" or "It sounds (like you're pretty upset)" active listening statement. Also the ideal of course is to not take any of it personally, and depending on if the circumstance is either external or involves the student's perception of an interaction we've had or a course-related issue, perhaps I can also reflect on any extenuating circumstances (e.g., maybe there was a consideration I overlooked or something similar in nature to that).
Hi Amy,
We have to do what we can to determine why the student is so angry and move forward from that point. Listening is key!
Patricia Scales
Sometimes I find through conversation that the student is angry because they have not properly prepared themselves for class. They are frustrated because they can't follow the disscussion or activities. Sometimes they need advisement on time management.
Hi Bill,
I concur! Students feel a sense of importance when we listen to them.
Patricia Scales
Hi John,
Listening is key! Our students really have a lot going on outside of the classroom.
Patricia Scales
lstening is the best way to break the ice.Most just want to talk about it
The anger that some students diplay is usually a reflection of their life outside of class. relationships, children, finances, transportation. Listen carefully and then be able to refer them to student services or other resources.
