Meet with the student away from the classroom and other students. Getting the attention of other students will only make things worse.
Begin by listening! Then listen some more. They are going to vent until it is gone. Be patient because nothing constructive can happen until the anger is gone. Once they have fininshed, begin searching for causes for the anger and then solutions to the causes. Be open and receptive but absolutely honest. Build a sense of belonging and security for them. It may very well take more than one session to even get a solid start. Then follow-up with the same patience and consistence used in listening.
Hi Brian,
In this case, simply listen as you would in other cases. Offer as much advice/suggestions as possible, if the situation is beyond your scope get higher school authority involved.
Patricia
Hi Tracy,
I have had angry students where I had to allow my students to take an EARLY break so that I could deal with the angry student because of the negativity that was being displayed. If I can wait until break, I do, but I will deal with the angry student quickly and swiftly so that the atmosphere of the room is conducive for learning.
Patricia
I really learned a lot from this module. I often have upset or angry students, not in my role as an instructor but as program director. I will try the suggestions from this module to listen and take notes and then ask the student how they would like to see the problem resolved.
I remove the student from class and listen to what the problem is is student is really upset I will get another co worker to help in situation and get a manager to help and completely remove the student until he calms down.
I speak with the student outside of the classroom ie: break. Ask them what is going on, if there is something that I can do to help. I also let them know that telling someone else they can get a different prespictive on the issue. This usually helps to clam them down. They also lean that they can trust you.
I had a very angry student who blamed the school for all of the problems in their life. They would storm out of the class in anger if I addressed their improper class behavior. Interestinly, the other students commented to me on how improper the angry students behavior was. I tried listening, I tried discussing issues, I even went so far as to offer a make-up quiz when the syllabus stated there would be none.
In the end the student passed the class, but barely. I learned a great deal from dealing with them, and subsequently edited my syllabus.
I truly feel that there is only so much that can be done as a teacher, and some students will learn that the tactics they used in school will get them fired in the working world.
Yes, sometimes that is part of the solution. Here, we have very angry students who are mad at the world because they blame everyone for their problems and are not accountable because the world owes them...or so they think. I have to be very careful who I am dealing with on a day to day basis.
listen to the student calmly respond on how you can help them.
First call them out of class or after class and bring it to there attention that you noticed and want to know whats going on and that you are there for them, that you can not help if you do not know what is being a burr in their saddle. then listen
Hi Melissa,
Some students will take responsibility for their actions and others won't. Very mature and professional of this student to apologize and move forward.
Patricia
I was placed in a situation like this before. The student does not usually act angry or fuss with an instructor, but this particular day she was upset. I did ask to speak with her alone before she was to continue to work with a client. I stated to her that something was wrong and we need to handle it in a professional way. The student had gotten the wrong understanding of the situation and later apologized.
I listen then I ask them to write their situation down that way we both can understand the issue at hand. Most students do not listen to reason or responses when they are upset. Responding to quick to the situation maybe taken wrong and can make the situation a lot worst.
Hi Chris,
Listening fully is key! Sometimes just by listening the problem because a lot less of an issue.
Patricia
I have found it easier to deal with outside issues that make students angry than it is when something relating to the school has caused them to become upset. Since they see the instructor as part of the organization making them angry, that anger sometimes ends up focused on the one person associated with the school that they see everyday.
So my question is, legitimate or not, how can one address an angry student when the student feels wronged by the very institution you represent as an instructor? (I have tried the "write your complaint down with mixed success.)
First of all I realize confronting angry students is not good. It is best that you get the student to vent off to themselves or write it down to be addressed. Students have to step away from the situation at hand first before they can think rationally. There is no talking to a person when they are angry. First of all I tell all students at the beginning of class that we have to handle all incidents professionally. I tell them that everyone has a bad day or a problem that needs to be address and that we should address the situation with care. I tell them to treat the class like family and we are all here to work together; that we help each other to get through the tough times and more than likely they understand. Once they understand the concept of handling situations, they handle it with respect like they want from others.
You should always listen fully to the complaint so you can resolve it correctly.
I find it interesting that I've had very few angry students over the years. I think this is because my expectations are always clear, I treat all students with respect, and I'm open to hear what students have to say, whether it's about the course, me, the school, their lives, or anything else.
Interestingly, my angriest students have been women. I've found the best response is to resist the urge to be defensive, and simply listen. If a student threatens to drop out of school if I don't change a grade, I'll say, "I'm sorry you feel that way, as you've worked so hard to get to where you are, but if you feel that's the right thing for you to do right now, I'll support you fully in your choice." When they see they can't get a rise out of me, they back off with their threats.
Separate from group/Classroom and conduct one on one to identify source of anger
Suspension or dismissal is sometimes necessary when behavior is uncontrolled
