I will privately open a conversation with the student by just asking how is your day going. Usually this will lead to an honest open discussion. I try to identify with the students issue by giving them an example of a similar circunstance that I went through and tell them how I was able to resolve it. This not only extends compassion but also stimulates logical thinking about their situation and to implement a real action to overcome the concern.
It might help to realize that the basis of all anger ultimately is fear and thus work to identify and alleviate it.
I think that it is best to listen to the student, many times their frustration comes from personal issues. often, once they ahve a chance to vent, students to calm down and concentrate on the work and assignment, rather than their emotions
I never involve myself in verbal altercations with students, it only serves to heighten the situation. I will generally just listen, invite the student to step out for some air and time to cool down, or ask them to write down their complaint.
When dealing with angry students the best thing to do is listen to what they have to say. Then you can ask them to write down there the problems they are having. Try to solve the problem in the best way possible. If the cannot be easily solved you must take the problem to someone who can help.
Hi Kerry,
Listening is key! Angry students most of the time just need to vent.
Patricia
When I am confronted with an angry student, I take them away from the class first, out in the hall and ask them what is going on in a none threating tone. Then I listen to what they say without interuping, and find a solution to the problem. Most of the time it is none school related.
I believe you should first take the student away for only a few minutes. Let them know that you ae there for them and their specicific situation. Then carry on delicatley.
I found the angry students are usually frustraated w/the class presenation and expect more from their teachers and are angry that they spent money on a course that didn't reach their standards
Hi Monika,
I have realized as they are writing, they begin to calm down as well. It is a great calming method for angry students.
Patricia
Having angry students write their complaints is the best thing you can do. It may eliminate the problem as they see it's a small thing and very silly, they may see all the problems with their complaint as they are writing it down. If that is not the case and it's a legitimate complaint then having it written will help them organize what their thoughts and get everything out without getting upset by someone sitting with them.
I think the first thing you do is listen. Hear out what the student has to say. He/she might even have a valid complaint that you or a staff member can fix. I think the simple fact that you will look into the problem and try to find an answer shows the student that you care about the problem at hand.
I remain calm and actively listen to their "dispute or angry comments". I never become "defensive" about their comments, because that just seems to escalate their anger. I try to get them to determine the real source of their anger as well-often times their anger is "misdirected" and so will not resolve easily unless they are able to determine the underlying source. I actually have a good rapport with all of my students and sometimes just listening to them is all they need.
Hi Condra,
Listening to angry students helps tremendously. Let them finish completely before making a remark.
Patricia
Hi Kristy,
I have found that simply listening does the trick. Sometimes an angry student just needs to vent.
Patricia
Hi Marina,
That's right! Listening is key!
Patricia
Listen,listen, listen- this is the first thing we should do as an instructors.let an angry student vent their anger and frustration, then we can discuss the options and solutions to the problem.
Listen! Then ask the student to submit the complaint in writing
Hi Robert,
I like the way you handle the angry student. You allow your students to do whatever behind closed doors, but in the classroom you ensure an environment that is conducive to learning.
Patricia
For me....I had an angry student my first quarter. I listened to him before making my statement. Once he was finished I'd assured him that he would pass the class. He really didn't have much to say after that but the next week he was fine.
