I feel that the most important thing to do when confronted by an angry student is to take them aside and listen to what their complaint is. This is something that should be dealt with right away otherwise it could become a classroom issue and disrupt the learning process of the other students. Many times it is a misunderstanding that is easily resolved. If not, then by clarifying the issue and discussing it the student will at least know that you care and are willing to work toward resolving the issue.
I agree, I seen the way student treat other and they need to be kept on the straight and narrow rod when it comes to this. You never know that student is dealing with at home so at the same time keep a compassionate heart.
Listen to what they have to say is key, not telling them you’re story that you had, which might be similar but it does not really show your listening. People need to vent their steam mixing your steam into conversation solves nothing.
Start by listening to the student. Determine where the anger is coming from. (having bad day, fight with someone,traffic ticket on way to school) there are many underlying causes to anger being projected in a classroom setting. Discuss with the student ways to control the problem, and how he/she can resolve the situation. Let them know you are interested in there sucess.
This has also worked for me. Usually they feel better if you remove them from the classroom and take a walk outside. Most of the time they feel when you take time away from the hussle and bussle of the classroom and really listen to their concerns, they respond better. I've had some students raise their voice, vent their anger, and then feel better after.
i have found that listening really does work. Once the student has vented and believes you actually care they tend to be calmer.
Hi Teresa,
Listening is key! When a student's emotions are raw you are not going to be able to rationalize with the student.
Patricia Scales
Listen, listen, listen. As is true in all situations where someone is angry, simply actively listening can go a long way in diffusing the angry person and the situation. Until one feels like they have been heard they are left with only raw emotion and it is difficult for any of us to think rationally when emotion is in control. Listen first and then you have a much better chance of reaching a plan for a solution to the issue. If the issue has nothing to do with you as an instructor, the student has a much better chance of seeing this for themselves if they have been given a chance to express the emotion that is controlling them.
Listen to the student and gently ask questions, again listen to the response. The instructor may then give suggestions to assist with the anger management. The best assistance is alway listen to the student.
I have had my share of angry students. This one time a student asked me to go outside with him and I agreed. He started yelling at me for his bad grades and how his absences should not affect his grade. I calmly listened for a while, but it got to the point where it was too much. I was not about to be yelled at by anyone and so I simply told him that when he was ready to talk like civilized people, my door would be open. I went inside the classroom and the students started cheering because they had heard everything. The student left and dropped the class.
Hi Jason,
Listening is key! Sometimes angry students simply just need to vent.
Patricia Scales
i try to use my own calmness as an example to the student. when problems arise i try to show them that any sirtuation can be dealt with and that it is a waste of energy to become upset
I've seen that the student just really wants someone to listen to them, and once you listen and ask questions about why they feel that way, or what lead them to get so angry, sometimes its not even about what is happening in class, sometimes its other issues carrying over, and when you listen and talk with them, you can get the student to realize that as well.
the first thing you should do is listen. you may ask the student if they would like to speak to you in private or if the situation escalates you may ask them to write down their concerns. It is also a good idea to take notes about the concerns
This subject is very close to home for me, as I was the angry student in school. Dealing with these types of students is hard, but persistance and one on one time with the student tends to help in my experience. I take time to relate my own personal experiences and how it is easy for even me to come to the school angry about something else that has happened. The students tend to calm down some when you relate that their problems do matter, and this diffusion helps to pave the way for a more productive night. It may seem unorthodox, but it is a strategy that works for me.
Richard
Hi Toni,
Listening is key, and we need to show our students that we truly care about them.
Patricia Scales
I have found that if a student is angry they are usually facing some problem that is not school related. I listen to the student. Sometimes they just want to be heard and then understand that their real issue is not in the class but something in their personal life. Just letting the student vent reassures them that we are listening and do care about them.
Acknowledge and listen to angry students. If, it is disruptive, schedule a time to speak to the student one on one, away from the other students.
As the text noted, I always listen and be very quiet. I want the student to know that I hear them and am willing to hear them. That usually helps to diffuse the situation as well.
I like to manage this students by setting up an appointment time to meet with me and a third party to discuss their complaint. This eliminates being "cornered" by an anrgry student and at the same time allows them time to really think about what it is their complaint is.
