Listen to the student complaints.
No judgement is a good idea...if resolution will follow
Listen to student concern and write down concerns for possible resolution
I like the idea to write their complaints.
I totally agree with this idea. I have always listened to students concerns, and it has generally worked out well. I think it could be even better if I have the students write out their concerns, for all of the reasons stated in this course and in the forum postings. I will definitely try this the next time an opportunity arises!
Listen first to his complaints. Have him write them down. I will give this a consideration and reassess/revaluate his grades. After reevaluation, I will discuss how the grades were calculated.
I take the students out of the classroom so I can listen to them so it will not interrupt other students – then after listening I suggest they write it down to get a clear picture – then we discuss it and work out a solution. Sometimes students are just made about everything not a specific issue so you as an instructor needs to work with the student to narrow the problem down and if you can’t assist then you suggest someone who can, if possible. Each student is different and each problem is solved in different ways.
Hi Linda,
Students need to know that we geniunely care about them! You are right, if the problem is beyond our scope, let's find help for the student.
Patricia
great idea, never thought of this before. in my years of teaching, i have had several "angry" students, i usually talk with them and seem to have a natural way of bringing them back down to earth....has worked for me so far.
Hi Christopher,
I concur! I learned early in my teaching profession that you should not take anything personally, and you must have tough skin.
Patricia
I believe the first course of action is to not take it personal. It seems as though many students find us to be easy targets. Just listening and letting the student vent can be a valuable tool in defusing the situation.
I love the writing it down idea, it really diffuses the situation while giving them the feeling they are being "heard" in an official way.
I would listen then have them write their complaint/concern down and explain it to me in detail. I will then tell them I'll have an answer for them by the next week. Therefore if I need to involve others I have time to do so.
My policy is to always discuss in person with the student and not use email or other communication methods.
You should stay calm and just listen to what the student is saying and why. Explain to the student you understand their frustrations and why you need for them to listen to you now. Bring in someone else from another department or student services who can possibly help this student resolve whatever their issue is. Let the student know you care and are willing to help them.
Hi Mark,
Angry students certainly feel that their issues are crucial. We should listen attentively to our angry students and let them fully vent.
Patricia
I handle a modular program in Math. Time is so essential. When I have an angry student who starts disrupting the class, I pause to address the situation by asking the angry student to come with me to the Student Services where counselors can most help him with his situation. I'll guarantee the student that I'll give accomodations for the missed time in my class by one-on-one tutorial/or extended time for any quiz/practice test/participation work. During the one-on-one session, I may subtly encourage the student to talk about what's wrong and try to give him my honest opinion on how to resolve it whenever solicited.
I listen to the problem, try to give them an answer and then go on with my class. Never argue, because that is "fueling the fire".
I very rarely encounter a genuinely angry student. But if I do, I try to have a one-on-one conversation with them. They usually know that they are being disruptive, but just in case I spell it out. Then I listen to them, try to understand where they are coming from, and most of all let them know that I respect them and their opinions. Obviously they feel that their issues are important. I should too.
Hi Maria,
Listening is key! Sometimes they simply just need to vent and after they vent they feel so much better.
Patricia
I think that works best. Try not to analyze them. Just listen to what they are saying. I'm sure they have issues going on elsewhere and maybe this is their only outlet, even though it's not correct to let it out here. Try not to give your opinion of him/her, just listen to what they are saying to you about how they are feeling.
