Do not respond in kind. Step back and rethink your response. Speak to the student separately and listen carefully to him/her explain their issue.
Leon Guendoo
Typically any person that is angry just wants somebody to listen. I position myself between the door and my student/patient depending and allow them the opportunity to express themselves while allowing myself to be a safe distance and a way out if need be.
Patricia, I try to listen to the student first. It could be a small prolem that we may solve together.
during this course I would like to write it down approach, to make clear with the issue/concern is and allow for a cooling off period
when i get a angry student,I pull that student out of the class so that we can talk in the hall, and I listen to him/her. I give them a few minutes if it is longer than that, I ask them to see me after class. If they continue to talk, I ask them if they are done, I show sympathy for them, then I ask them how I can help. It seems my claming voice always seems to calm the students down so that we can go back into and not distroy the learning atmosphere of the entire class. as a massage therapist and instructor I remind the students that we go with the flow.......
I completely agree with the "listening first" statement. I have had an angry student and I found that if I just let them talk while I listen it seems to greatly difuse the situation.
I prefer to listen "one on one" in private with the student. This reduces the odds that one angry student incites a mob of angry students in the classroom.
Hi Jered,
Listening is key when it comes to an angry student. A lot of the time, they simply want to vent.
Patricia Scales
I resort to my training in Somatic Experiencing and bodywork which instructs that a stressed autonomic nervous system will decelerate when met by a calming, grounded system; i.e. if i practice self-care in the moment of conflict (breathing, feeling my feet on the floor, active listening, non-violent communication, proper body posture, and a smile with eye-contact), much of the anger diffuses. indeed, i remember when i am angry and what i need in response ... and it's definitely not more defensive reactions. so, by settling myself, the student turns the volume down and we can begin to reconcile with less spark. i like the advice about listening and note-taking from the course--it truly is a good practice that reflects concern, makes it easy to document a potentially spiraling conflict, and slows the instructor down to collect thoughts. i'll plan on using that piece. thanks!
Listen, recap their concern so they feel heard, and encourage them to submit their concern in writing so it can be documented and properly addressed.
Listen and several days after ask them if you can help with any further concerns.
I always let them vent. I try to listen with a sympathetic ear as our students have many things in their lives and they may need someone to talk to to get things off their chest. Many a problem can be solved by listening. I then try to draw from my own experience to give advice, if appropriate.
Yes, I believe engaging a student in conversation is the best tactic.
I try to engage the student in conversation first. If this feels, I ask the student to step outside.
The key is to gain their respect. You can engage them in conversation and listen to their complaints.
As they say, to handle an angry person ( student)is to listen and consol. It usually is a small problem that has esculated into a huge troubling crisis.The mole hill as turned into a mountain.Listen and letting them know you feel their pain can go a long way in creating rapore with the student.When they see you give them respect for what they are concerned with, then they will in turn give you that respect back.
Pul them out of class to a privite area to discuss their concerns and let them know I am willing to help them get to the bottom of things and find a solution.
Hi Laura,
I concur! You create a monster of an angry student when the angry student is confronted in front of others.
Patricia Scales
I have asked them to stay after class to discuss the issue in private. That way there is no embarassment in front of the other students. Confrontation is usually less, as they dont feel that they have to prove anything to anybody in the room.
Hi Connie,
Listening is key, and remember never to put yourself in harm's way.
Patricia Scales
