Take them aside and listen to their complaint. Paraphrase it back to them to make sure you understand what they are saying. Once you understand what the problem is you can begin to address it.
Hi Deborah,
I agree! Most of the time, the angry student simply needs to vent.
Patricia
Hi Amy,
I agree! Our students need to know that we care, and we want to help them, and they can come to talk to us about anything, and we will listen. Let the students know that the information will be kept confidential.
Patricia
Listen. This student may be angry about something unrelated to school, but something that happened at school or regarding the school is the ultimate straw that broke the camel's back. We all have lives outside of school, and school puts more stress on students. Listening to the problem and empathizing with the student will go a long way to resolving the anger.
In my opinion the best way to handle an angry student is to assess the current situation and allow the student if they so choose to tell you what is happening to cause this problem and if they do not want to share with you let them know that you are an open listener and will not make any judgements on them. Sometimes it is good just to have someone hear what you are saying. Allow them to tell you what is happening or just let them know you are available to listen.
Listening is key. Outside sources may be affecting their work in class.
I often remain calm and speak in a very low voice. It helps to deescalate the situation. I also found it helpful to stick to the facts and not make it an emotional issue. If they are upset about a test score. I try to get feedback about what would have helped them more.
Angry students can be very disruptive to the class. I like to listen to the angry student first hear what they have to say. If it is something that needs to be immediately addressed I may send them to see the Department Head. Usually it is not that urgent they are just venting. I let them vent briefly then ask if we can discuss after class. Usually that works for me.
Hi Lorraine,
Listening is key! Sometimes angry students simply need to fully vent.
Patricia
I always try to pull them aside and listen, this way they don't disrupt the whole class. I never argue with them, but sometimes I give the student other objectives to think about.
I completely agree that turning off the defensive switch is the best strategy. Getting defensive or even trying to immediately explain the topic could add fuel to the fire. Allowing the student to vent and get the anger off their chest will frequently reduce the volatility of the to such a degree that further discussions are usually calm and far more reasonable.
i always first get them out of range from the class, this allows them to speak freely about what ever the problem is. Second I always let them vent, listen and I generaly do not speak until I have a full understanding of what is bothering them. Third I ask them for the soulition, which they never really have.
Listen effectively, so that you can get the full reason, look out for key words that may trigger the anger, repeat what is said so there is no nebulous interpretation, ask questions, and hopefully a resonable resolution can occur
First of all, I establish very early on in the equation that I have a zero tolerance level for unprofessionalism. Communication at all levels is essential to prevent frustrating situations from occuring. However, I do inform my students that at anytime we need to discuss a situation because of miscommunication on my part or on their's it's best that we discuss such situations in private quarters.
An instructor should never handle the angry student if front of the whole class. I like to take the angry student behind closed door, or in my office, and I let the angry student vent until he or she is done. Normally venting eases the situation and bring peace to the classroom.
Elizabeth
Hi Timothy,
You are definitely on point as to how to handle an angry student. Instructors should never put themselves in harms way with any student nor should other students be put in harms way. A violent student is way too dangerous and must be dealt with quickly and swiftly.
Patricia
Hi Tammi,
Wow, someone of higher authority needs to remove this student from the institution if she can't get her act together. Her supervisor will not tolerate this type of behavior in the workplace.
Patricia
I will ask the student what is bothering him/her. Listen to the student and acknowledge the students feeling as valid. then i will ask the student what he/she would like me to do or how I can help them. If it is in my power to help, I will. If the student is not being accountable for something they cause, like a bad grade, then i will review the test with them. show them why they made the mistakes they made and assist them in preparation for the next exam. this will at least let the student know i am fair.
I currently have a student in my class that I would put in this category. She fits the typical "chip on her shoulder" profile. She comes to class everyday and appears to get along just fine with all of her classmates, however, when I speak to her she replies to me with a sarcastic answer and a hateful tone in her voice. She has not only spoken to me in this manner but also my program director. I believe she has problems when dealing with authority. She does not take constructive criticism at all and I fear that she will not be successful in this program nor in this career field. I have made many attempts to try to discuss this with her in which I could listen to her but she says she does not want to be bothered. I am at a loss and have all but given up. She makes the classroom atmosphere a very difficult and unhappy one for me, as I am sure it is for many of the students as well.
Tammi Smith
The most important first step to take with an angry student is to listen. It is possible that once the student is able to express himself to someone who is listening, he will satisfy the desire to do just that. At the very least, listening may prevent the student from repeating or causing disruption to the entire class.
Taking the complaint seriously and asking the student what he sees as a solution will help clarify his thinking and allow the instructor to, thoughtfully, respond.
There may not be a readily apparent solution. The instructor may need to consult the program director or followup discussion may be proposed. Ending the initial discussion with "I'll keep you informed," or "Let's give it a few days and discuss it again," may be the correct course. The key point may be to show the student you take his issue seriously.
