Certainly many factors play a role when an individual is angry. In many cases, there are a lot of things going on in the student's personal life that filters over into the classroom. Family, finanes, and friendships have placed strains on many of the students I instruct.
I did not intentionally ignore an angry student, but realized that something was wrong; however, by that time others were involved in the discussion. It took time by listening to the student, addressing the concerns, and revamping the way I was assessing, but in the end it worked out.
Hi Terry,
It does depend on the severity of the anger as to where it is better handled. I just like to handle angry students privately behind closed doors. I let them vent fully before saying anything, and normally the problem resolves itself, just by me listening.
Patricia
Hi Brian,
I am an academic dean, and I have found that students are quick to blame instructors. You followed proper procedure. Your observation was that the instructor handled herself very professionally, but it was the student who was rude and disrepsectful. It sounds like personnel handled the student, and the students knows exactly what behavior she is to display. I hope that the meeting with the student was documented. It is always good to keep an audit trail on disruptive student.
Patricia
If the intensity of the anger is great I also would talk with the student outside of class. Sometime if a student falls more into just being annoyed or irritated it can be handled within the classroom.
Hi Sandy,
Yes, the sooner the better. It is never good to let things linger, then things really do explode.
Patricia
If an angry student is trying to get attention, it is better to listen than ignoring. This may the last ounce of ego/self respect he or she may have left.
Recently a student had come to me with concerns about a new faculty member that she felt was not teaching the class effectively. When I went in to observe the class I was struck at how rude and unprofessional the student was and how patient and professional the instructor reacted. I had a follow up meeting with the another manager and the student in which we clearly outline the behaviour expectations of students. The meeting ended with the student still not liking her class, but knowing what is expected of her behaviour in class. Clearly defined expectations are going to be particularly important with these students.
Thank you for your insights. I agree that we do need to address issues quickly.
Hi Sandy,
Yes, you can not let things fester any more than it has with an angry student. The sooner, the better, in this case.
Patricia
Listen. Most of the time the student just wants to voice their complaints. Sometimes they have a valid complaint that needs immeadiate attention, others just like to complain when things aren't going their way. Either way the complaint needs to be addressed. As suggested, it is best for them to write it down; sometimes this takes the steam out of them. The worst thing to do is to ignore it. This will only make it worse. Usually after talking about it or writing it down the student will realize that maybe its not that bad.
This sounds like a good idea. It is always difficult to deal with angry students but best to take care of the issue ASAP.
Hi David,
It is a must that our students know how much we care. Listening can be the best solution for an angry student.
Patricia
A gtood instructor should be able to diffuse a situation before it comes to that.
I feel the most important thing to do is listen. Just listening can make the student feel that someone cares abought them and not just their checking account.
Hi Gregory,
Absolutely, as an instructor the nature of the anger must be determined. If the anger is directed toward the instructor, other personnel should definitely be involved. An instructor should never put themselves in danger.
Patricia
My response would depend upon what is meant by "confronted with", because in one case it may mean the anger is directed at me and in another it may be unfocused or focused in another direction.
So, the first step is determining the nature of the anger.
I find that implementing a standerdised grading protocal, in writing, that most arguments are taken care of brfore they start. The student knows what is expected of them before they start an assignment. It removes subjectivness from grading and removes room for argument. By standerdising to my industries standards the student better meet the reqirements with each excersise.
I have dealt with angry students in otherways in the school before and adapting it to the class room now I find helps
So far I have not encountered this but found really helpful recommendations for the future. Thanks for these messages
