Angry Student
Has anyone had a student get so angry that he or she got physically violent? What did you do?
Hi Steve,
I like to listen to the angry student without any interruptions and let them fully vent.
Patricia
give personal time and honestly ask questions
Hi Paul,
Nicely handled. Hold to your guns with this student.
Patricia
I have and angry who likes to disrupt the class to get attention i have taken said student outside to talk but this takes time from the other students and has'nt helped. i went to my manager and he took said student out of class and told the student he would be removed from class if he disrupts the class in any way so far he has towed the line with minor interuptions,but we have and understanding and the line if he crosses said line he's out makes it easy for both of use. get help asap if you need it !!!!!!!!!!!
Hello Virginia,
Documentation is of the utmost importance. Always cover yourself and put things in writing.
Patricia
It is also important to document carefully (you also have a handbook to refer to regarding policies of the institution), file the proper forms and distribute to the appropriate persons for their review.
Hi Jeffrey,
Dealing with angry students must be handled very carefully. As instructors, we do not want to add more fume to the fire. Let the angry student TALK. and we LISTEN.
Patricia
Angry or frustrated student, I have found best to get them aside, talk and LISTEN to them and ensure them that with practice (hands on proceedure applies here) it's like learning to ride a bike. Sometimes it takes some stundents a liitle longer to learn to ride, but it's trying to find a little self controll on their part.
Hi Scott,
In my 20 years of teaching, I've never had a student to get violent with me either. I have witnessed students to almost become violent with each other. In these cases, I never subject myself to danger, but I have spoken in a very loud and firm tone to diffuse the situation. The interjection has always worked for me.
Patricia
Never had a student get violent with me, but with another student in the class. Using a firm, loud voice, you can attempt to interject and get the students to stop their arguing before it turns violent...Once it has turned that corner, however, you must call your school's security force (or, in the unlikely event that they don't have one, the police). The last thing you want is for them to redirect that energy at you. Not to mention the liability issue that you'd face if you gave it back to 'em...
Hello Marla,
Absolutely. Never subject you and your students to danger.
Patricia
I would call the police and inform the program director of the situation. I have never experienced this either, but I think violence would definitely indicate the need for law enforcement.
Hello Yulia,
Dealing with angry students can be very intimidating. The approach has to be very careful. It appears you will do the correct thing, if you ever had to deal with an angry student. Nicely responded to.
Patricia
I think you should first of all remove the student from the class room, asking him to step outside to discuss the problem. If he/she gets violent physically, I think we should definitely call security and also report the student to the dean office.
Hi Melanie,
In my twenty years of teaching I've never witnessed this type of behavior. I would immediately get the director and suggest calling law enforcement.
Patricia
