Student anger.
Instructors must be careful when addressing student anger. It may be real or perceived. If real it must be taken care of appropriately. However, if perceived it could be an instructor problem and care must be taken.
Hello Gabrielle,
It is always good to isolate the angry student from the other students. Simply listen to the angry student, and most of the time the angry student really simmers down, and is more rational to deal with.
Patricia
When I have an angry student, I usually let them vent to me outside of class. I do not feel it is good for the other students to be exposed to angry students as it creates a negative environment in the classroom.
Hi Abigail,
Our students have their share of problems and many times they bring these problems with them to school. You're right we must listen and talk.
Patricia
Hi Eric,
I agree sometimes students seem to have a problem with the class but, when pulling back the layers something more is going on. Get the student to talk about what the real issues are most of the time they are overwhelmed or something is going on in their lives. Talking and listening is the key.
Hello Roger,
Absolutey, you do as much as you can for the student, and if the issue is beyond your scope, find the appropriate person to help the student.
Patricia
when i have a "angry Student" i will try to listen to the student, alot of the time after the student vents his/her concern they seem to calm down then we can start to work on the issue that is bothering the student. if it can be handled at the instructor level then thats fine. but there are some issues that the instructor has no effect on. the we should be able to tell the student where he/she can go for additional help.
Hi Eric,
Students love knowing that they are appreciated and worth listening to. These to methods have really worked for my angry students.
Patricia
Letting them know that they are appreciated and worth listening to is a great way to see their anger or frustration dissipate or go away.
Effective communication definately is the key to defusing student anger and angry situations.
student anger has to be dealt with listening seams to be the way to break the ice
When I have a angry student I always ask him out into the hall and discuss whats going on.
I then tell him what he needs to do to correct the problem and I always tell him Im not picking on him I assure Him I am concerned about him doing well.
Dan Butler
I dealt with an angry student who thought no one at the school cared about his problems. After chipping away for a few weeks, he shook my hand and thanked me for helping him out. All I actually did was listen.
He Jeffrey,
I have a talk with my angry students as well. I make it known to the students if you get out of control, I have no choice, I will remove you from the building.
Patricia
John I agree that some behavior is misread by the parties involved. I have found that the best action is usually to seperate who ever is involved. I have taken more than one student to the hall and asked them to collect themselves before things get out of control.
Hello John,
Student anger is always a touch and go thing. You are to use your best discretion as to when to back off from an angry student. As an educator, you should never put yourself in harm's way.
Patricia
