how do you deal with a confrontational student
Any hints
Hi Francisco,
Your response made me real calm just from reading it. I can see how your students are very receptive to you based on your professional demeanor.
Patricia
I first off will remain calm and professional no matter how confrontational a student may get. If necessary I will ask the student to step outside the classroom with me. I let the student know that I am more than willing to help with their problems/issues but that our discussion must be civil and productive. I let them know that confrontational behavior will not be tolerated and that the best way to have issues resolve is to work on them constructively. If I have acted professionally up to this point, there is usually no problem with a student understanding my desires of wanting to help in the appropriate manner.
I agree. Nip it in the bud and let it be known that this type of behavior will not be tolerated. Be willing to discuss any problems rationally, but don't let the student put you on the defensive or make you feel threatened.
Hi Rose,
Have a private talk with the student outside of the classroom so that this type of behavior does not continue in the classroom. Nip it in the bud immediately if it starts in the classroom.
Patricia
When I deal with a confrontational student, I wear a firm and wholesome facial expression, look directly in the student's eyes, say "This concern of yours is important but it must be understood that the class discussion and activities must not be distracted for the common good. We'll address this concern after classtime as soon as possible. When the behavior continues, I say, "Stop it right now(name of the student), this interruption cannot be allowed."
Great question Claire!
I would shift the focus to why the student is there...to learn, not to criticize and critique me as an individual. Also it is a teaching moment to help students understand that tolerance is a virtue and that everyone needs to be respected.
Good question Mary.
I think the best way to approach a confrontational student is to talk to them privately and let them know how they are coming across. It is important to determine if there are personal or academic issues that are bothering them and they are taking the aggression out in class. This is the way to get to the real issue. I think the confrontational attitude is a front for something else.
At times like this, I think of the old phrase, "Never let'em see you sweat." If they see that you are upset with them, they will latch onto that and continue to push you as far as they can.
The most important thing, however, is to set the tone up front. State the rules and the beginning and stick with them; remain consistent. If the confrontation happens in the classroom, get assistance if needed to have them removed. This will send a message to other students that you do not want their learning to be further disrupted. If it's a confrontation that happens one-on-one, just stay clam and listen to their concerns. Reiterate any policies needed, and explain the meaning of professionalism. Stress to them that their behavior would not be tolerated in the work field, therefore it will not be tolerated at school either. We are preparing them for a career, not just a job.
How do you do this in a class room to ensure the the behavior is controlled?
the first thing that I try to do the de escalate the situation is to just listen the the person who is confrontational.
Let the student cool down for few hours and then call him/her and talk to the student at a clam voice. don't show any anger or frustration.
I would tell them that they are being disrespectful and inappropriate and I will talk with them on break. If they continue I ask them to leave the class and we will discuss it together later.
What would you recommend saying to a student who criticizes you personally?
Hi Mary,
By having a quick and swift firm conversation to simply let them know that this type of behavior is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Patricia
