My angry students usually go to my supervisor rather than comming to me directly. I really wish they would come to me when they have an issue so we could work it out.
The biggest problem I have is students venting about other instructors, the school, their financial aid and the cost of materials or even using their own gas to go on field trips.
I would prefer not to talk in front of the whole class about those situations.
Directing them to write down their points sounds like a great way to direct their concerns to the appropriate parties.
I can be empathetic about the hidden costs of going to school, but I wouldnt want any other instructor discussing my classroom proceedure with students nor do I choose to engage in that conversation either.
I generally, listen and tell them they should meet with that instructor or group to discuss it directly with them rather than trying to gather support from fellow students.
I am definitely going to use the put it in writing method to try to keep the students on task and learning what they came to school for in the first place.
Hi Sara,
Absolutely! As educators, we must maintain our professionalism and do not lose our cool. Calmness on the instructor's part is key.
Patricia
1. Do not get angry yourself!
I try to determine if this is their way of getting attention or if it's a ligitimate situation that they are angry about. If it is a ligitimate concern I will listen and attempt to take them through a problem solving session. If their is something I can do as a faculty member to
resolve or clarify a school situation I will attempt to
do so.
You need to listen to them. Talk calmly and rationally and listen to there concerns. Then together you can try to come to a compromise.
First I remove both of us from the classroom, having an aide cover. I show kindness in my voice and body language as we walk toward the office for witnesses. I ask some soft questions hoping he/she will open up, and then I listen. I give honest advice to gain trust.........and go from there.
Hi Warren,
Listening is key! The better the student/teacher rapport is, the situation can be handled on a smoother basis.
Patricia
I think you can decrease the chances of an angry student if you make the first move on the very first day of class. Know your students, not only by name but listen to them the first couple of days and pick up on "where" your students are coming from. If you take the time to listen/relate to their individual stories/lives you are starting to gain their respect. If an issue does come up which could present itself as being an "angry" situation the student is more likely to "talk" to you about it then to blow up.
There seem to be several of these students in each classroom. I have found that listening does seem to work pretty well - sometimes the listening can become overwhelming based on the complaints and additional steps must be taken. It can be difficult to address the concerns, especially when some of the concerns are not valid or are directly against policy of the school.
Hi Robert,
If you have not been in their situtation, what I normally do if the situation is beyond my scope I refer them to experts.
Patricia
Hi Rebecca,
You're right! Employers will not tolerate this type of behavior. We must be real and true with our students.
Patricia
I agree, although in the work place that kind of action, is unexceptable, and thus not exceptable at school.
First and foremost listen. hear what their issues are and assess where the breakdown is. You can ask them what will help resolve the issue and lead them to a calmer perspective.
The experience I have had is that I am the first adult they see that day. I sit and listen and then as the student start to vent, it isn't about the class. I take quick notes while they are talking so when I do reply, I can use them as I talk to the student. I have been in their shoes more often than not I tell them how I handled the situation.
Hi Julie,
Listening is key! Never put yourself in harm's way with an angry student. Others may need to be a part of the conversation.
Patricia
i speak with the student one on one and try to establish the real motivation for the anger, explain what my resposibilities are and what hers are as well. then i take time to re evaluate my actions and ask the student to do the same it works most of the time
listen......get a 3rd party involved if the anger issue has not been resolved.
I listen to what the student has to say and let them blow some steam, and am attentive so they know I heard them. If I need more information about the issue I ask for it.
If a resolution is apparent then I let them know what it is.
It's best to keep from responding back to an angry student with more anger, or being defensive or offensive. That just escalates the problem.
I listen to what the student has to say and let them blow some steam, and am attentive so they know I heard them. If I need more information about the issue I ask for it.
If a resolution is apparent then I let them know what it is.
It's best to keep from responding back to an angry student with more anger, or being defensive or offensive. That just escalates the problem.
If time allows I like listening and allowing the student to vent, but when time does not allow then having the student writeit out also relieves the students tension.
