Angry Students
I have found that simply listening to a student vent can help to defuse the situation. Sometimes they just need to vent after a trying day at work or certain home problems.
Defusing angry students always involves listening and getting the student to get a chance to explain his concern. In addition as someone who has had to deal with hostile situations, it is also critical to display the body language that lets the angry student relax, tone of voice is a major contributor.
My suggestion is that we may want to have role-playing scenarios on how to show non-hostile body language and phrasing/tone of voice.
Keith,
It is important to listen and to refer the studnet to someone or agency that can help if they need it. I have found tutoring, outside agencies and support groups are great resources.
Hi Keith,
I know, I attempt to listen fully. Listening is key.
Patricia
I have found that defusing the situation is top priority,and the easiest way is to simply listen, pause and listen some more.
Hi Dave,
Very nice response. Just think by simply listening, 50 percent of the situation has been taken care of. As educators, we must be effective listeners.
Patricia
An angry student wants to be heard and I've found that listening is half of the battle. It has been said that the most effective communicator listens more than he speaks. Listening is an aquired skill. We listen not only to the verbal rantings but we learn to read between the lines as well as note body language. Listening with empathy will go a long way in defusing the situation also.
Hello Penny,
Angry students can be a big handful. You can not let them take over the class. This type of behavior is cancerous, and it can ruin a class. These students must be taken care of swiftly and quickly.
Patricia
Angry students are usually very disruptive to individual students and the class as a whole unit. Therefore, their isuues must be addressed and taken care of immediately. Listening to the student discuss why they are angry is the first step and hopefully the issue will be quickly resolved. If not, I have found it most effective to receive advice and/or assistance from a Dean or Associate Dean.
Hello Troy,
As educators, we must be effective listeners. You are on point, sometimes students just want to be listened to.
Patricia
