writing down issues
The concept of having an angry student write down their issues is great. Not only does it allow the student the opportunity to clearily express their issues, but it also gives them time to reflect upon the issue. I think this will help them have a "cool off" period versus "bustin' into your office and cursing you out" mentality
Hi Myron,
Documentation is vitally important. As educators we should make sure to put various situations in writing and file them in the student's file.
Patricia
I agree, this can help in many ways. Not only does it allow the student time to "cool off" but It will take their focus off the direct problem and allow them to take another look at the situation.
And as stated above in our school if it is not writen down it did not happen, so this will allow you to also do your end of the paperowrk.
Hi Nia,
This is a great practice to put everything in writing. There is nothing like having an audit trail. They really cover you and the institution.
Patricia
At our school, if you did not document it, it did not happen. So to me, this kills 2 birds with one stone. It allows the student to clarify the problem and cool off, but also serves as important documentation of the issue.
I have just started having my students give me written complaints and that statagie really does work.. they find that their complaint is really nothing more then a personal disagreement or mis-understanding. Or they find that it is not worth putting on paper and signing. \
The ones that will take the time to write a report are ones that I find generally have a valid complaint, but I still listen to any and all complaints while encouraging them to put it in writing from me.
I would say of the 15 students who had complaints, ONLY 2 actually followed through the the written report.
Hi Joan,
Writing is really a calming and smoothing practice for most. The idea is to get the angry student to calm down.
Patricia
I think this is a brilliant idea, I thinking that writing down their thoughts can reduce anxiety and potential "in the moment" anger. As an English/Composition teacher I have seen first hand how writing down thoughts, even in a journal can be helpful for students.
Hi Pamela,
Sometimes our students really act out of character. They have a lot going on outside of school.
Patricia
I agree this is a great strategy. I could have really used this about a month ago when one of my students was going through a very volatile phase. It was so unusual for this student to be reacting the way she was, I think it would have really helped her to clarify what was truly going on for her and given me time to not be shocked and reactive. I will definitely use this in the future.
