Hi Robert,
Our students have their challenges outside of school. Listening is key. Most of our angry students will calm down once they are listened to. Some of our students just need to vent.
Patricia Scales
I agree. After you have calmed the student down and listened to them, very often I find that the problem is only partly school related. Many times a poor grade is just the icing on the cake for other problems. However when school related a quick resolution of the problem will ensure that it does not arise again.
Don't fight fire with fire so to speak. Listen to what they have to say, ask question, show them that you care and are willing try and resolve the situation.
As a special education specialist, when a student with or without disability engages in behavior or breaks a code of conduct my first obligation to the student is to meet with him/her one on one to determine if the student’s behavior was caused by his disability. This is a Manifestation Determination Review (MDR), a process to review all relevant information and the relationship between the student’s disability and the behavior. If it is determined that his/her behavior was a manifestation of his disability (learning disability), I will speak with the director of education about my findings and recommendations. If not we are to have a huge ton of patience and develop a tough skin in dealing with some of our incomprehensible students.
I always listen to what they have to say. I even ask them to see me after class to clarify why they are upset. In my experience, it is because of what happened in an earlier class or his (yes, his) perception of failing out of school in general.
I always let the student know that I am a listening ear and that I will try to help any way I can. I give various ways for him not to fail my course and encourage him to actually talk to the other instructors as well. This strategy often leads to success for me.
My experience was with two students (both bigger than I, one a military vet) who were spinning up to a fight. I got them out of the classroom and down to the dean's office, where he got their stories/statements.
Hi Jennifer,
You have the right mindset to deal with the angry student. Listening is key! Sometimes students simply just need to vent!
Patricia Scales
The most important key to dealing with angry students is to listen. Many times the simple act of listening can diffuse a situation or at least calm the student now. Students who are ignored or who's anger is brushed aside often times lash out more due to them feeling unimportant and that their anger, problem, and or opinion does not matter. Listening is the first step to helping the angry student. If this does not fix the situation having the student write down their problem can help, or have them meet with you in your office to discuss what the problem is and the next best step.
Hi Brandi,
You have it! This is truly the best way to deal with an angry student. Listening is key and dealing with them without an audience helps calm the situation.
Patricia Scales
The first thing to do when confronted with an angry student is to take them to a quiet room and isolate them from an audience, which is what most angry students want. Talking with them calmly, one-on-one, and listening to what they are saying helps them to calm down as well. Taking notes shows the student you are paying attention to what they are saying and you do take it seriously. Most angry students are angry for the simple fact they think no one is listening to them. Once they get the chance to vent and feel their complaint has been validated or addressed, the student will normally be open to suggestions for solving the problem.
Hi CHRISTOPHER,
You have the right attitude! This approach is like magic when it comes to dealing with an angry student. Listening is key and a soft tone works nicely. Sometimes students just need to be heard.
Patricia Scales
One piece I did not see mentioned is to get the angry student 'contained'. In other words when you realize you have an angry student on your hands see about taking the situation to a calm, neutral area. This could be the hallway or better yet a vacant office or room. The logistics for this can by troublesome as you do not want to abandon your other students and leave them alone. You also do not want to have just you and your angry student alone together. To avoid this requires teamwork and usually good timing.
Angry students are angry customers.....key is to listen,make eye contact , maintained open body language and be genuine not sarcastec or condensending. Ive also learned to actually talk in calm and softer tone (more soft than my speaking voice)nand jot down notes. Ive asked students to even express their concerns in writing so we can zero in on the major issues and chisel away at the others.
Hi Raymond,
Never put yourself in harm's way with a student. You must protect yourself at all times.
Patricia Scales
Managing angry students by going to a quiet area, listening, and then having them write down their concerns. This helps to helps to disfuse the situation.
Ain't nobody got time for that...
I just learned listening is the most valuable tool, but I am thinking of an example when a student comes into my class angry about another instructor and I do not feel ethical listening to that.
Should I have her write about it? I see how that might focus and dilute the situation, but one semester we had an instructor the students just HATED and I got sick of hearing about it and just banned the discussion. (BTW, that problem instructor is still there and the students all still hate her and feel un-empowered because no action is ever taken with inferior instructors.)
Completly agree! we must always remember SAFETY FIRST and always think outside the box. As educators we can be very approchable and that may not always be a good thing in todays world.
I will bring the student into my office and let the student vent his or her issue and listen to them, also a nod of the head every now and then, to show the student i hear what they are saying or maybe agreeing with there problem. I then proceed to explain to student what we can do to resolve the issue or issues and ask the student for there ideas for resolution. After the conclusion of our talk, i will try and have a lighter discussion and try to put the student at ease with what has transcribed and have a trusting relationship through out there career studies.
If I am angry at a situation and given a chance to vent, be heard, and have compassion regarding my feelings. I would walk away feeling better, and so will the student.
