Hi Tom,
Listening is key! Students feel a sense of importance knowing that they have a voice.
Patricia
Hi Lisa,
What a great way to handle angry students. Listening is key! Students want to and need to be heard.
Patricia
I deal with angry students by giving them an opportunity either during a break or at the end of class to discuss the situation with them. I try to do in this in private so it does not embrass anyone. My first step is to listen and let them tell me what is making them angry. Then once I have gathered all the facts, I then provide my answer for the situation which includes some solutions to the problem or a rationale for my decision.
Aa a former PR professional, you listen (as long as the tone is reasonable) try to answer without being defensive and throw in a bit of humor. If that doesn't work, ask for a private time meeting.
The most difficult thing I had to learn (years ago) is to let the student get it out. I just want to jump right in - perhaps defend myself - but it seems the first thing is allow them to get everything out. Sometimes what they initially say doesn't make sense or defies logic, but I just need to hear it all. After they have expounded, they seem in a better place when we can begin to have a conversation.
First not become part of there anger. Finally, do listen to the student, they could possibly be crying out for help in unknown areas of there life to us, and we as instructors can become there only help.
When a student is angry, I want to give this student my full attention. If it is before class or early in class I give class work assignment and listen to this student who obviously wants my attention. I do have them write the general complaint and also I ask them to list ways that I can help them. We then discuss those options. This defuses them really quite quickly.
Let them express themselves and listen to them. Show them that you are considering and that you are willing to help them.
the only aspect I like to focus is that I invite angry students to sit down and express themselves in a calm manner.
Hi Richard,
Documentation is very important. I can recall a few times where documentation served as a saving grace. I have also witnessed when the situation is put in writing, the student becomes rally calm.
Patricia
First and foremost, listen to their concerns. Most people just want to be heard and respected when they bring up a challenge. As an instructor, you have to stay neutral and realize that the anger is generally never about the present situation. It just happens to be the catalyst that brought the anger out. These conversations need to be done in a one-on-one environment that offers secure and comfortable surroundings. Next, make sure you have the student put the challenge in writing so the situation can be clearly reviewed and resolved.
Hi Kimberly Brookins,
Get over it because you decided to allow the student back in class. I understand your point about stopping someone from getting their education, but you could have had the student removed from your class and not expelled from school. This student needs to be taught a lesson.
Patricia
Hi Andrew,
Students should not intimidate or taunt an instructor. The DOE needs to be aware of the situation and handle the students swiftly and quickly.
Patricia
Hi Adelaida,
Listening is key when it comes to dealing with angry students. Angry students must be dealt with very cautiously. As educators, we do not want to do anything that will make the student even more upset.
Patricia
When confronted with an angry student, one should first look at the surroundings. If it is happening in class, the student and teacher should step outside as not to incite the class. When dealing one on one with a student, listening is key. This allows the student to vent while also knowing someone is taking the time to listen. From this point, you can start to get to the root of the problem and come up with solutions.
I will see the student away from the other students, listen to his/her complaints and go from there. I find that listening to the problem understanding what their needs are helps.
I hope I don't have too, but I will try your suggestion.
Hi Stevie,
Litening is key when dealing with angry students. Your thought process as to how to deal with angry students is on point.
Patricia
I've rarely ever had to deal with an angry student. I believe I would ask them to calm down and just talk to me about what they're having a problem with to see if I can help. If they are out of control angry I would have to go to one of my superiors to help take control of the situation. I would hope that it would not escalate that far. I believe talking through what's making them angry can help us both understand what is going on and hopefully come up with some type of plan or goal to help that student along.
Maybe this is slightly off-topic, but I am aware of situations where a student attempted to intimidate or taunt an instructor. In these cases it tends to be a male student and a female instructor. I don't know if there are deep-seated anger issues there, and it seems quite a task for an instructor whose is a subject matter expert in the course material to also have to spend time and energy on an individual who is not committed to learning, or cannot focus on the subject, but rather the person teaching. Perhaps the student perceives authority figures negatively, and may react more strongly against a female authority figure. It makes the situation a rather complicated one, and unfortunate for the teacher, who really loves the subject and the job of teaching students.
First I will listen...however, I have had the experience (as a very young educator) that you cannot give these people too much authority by always listening and allowing them the room to agrue their point. Sometimes you just need to "nip it in the bud" before it causes mass chaos. I waited...and when I did respond I found myself dealing with Stockholm Syndrome and then had to deal with several students vs. just the unruly angry one.
Now I listen first, allow them to agrue their point, make my decision and that is that. It ends there.
