Angry Students
When encountering an angry student I find it best to listen first. Be calm and help them find a solution to the problem by giving them options, not advise. Do not get sucked into an argument with them if you are why they are upset. Document the incident.
Hi Rebecca,
A calm approach should always be taken with an angry student. The worse thing you can do is to make the student angrier.
Patricia Scales
Michael,
The angry student, or any angry person for that matter, will look to blame anyone or anything in their path. The worst thing you can do is add fuel to the fire and escalate the situation. These are what I call "Tanks or Grenades", they run over or explode to the first person they come in contact with. Often times if you let them just listen and let them vent they open up to commnication. Validation is what they are looking for, but more often than not they refuse to own their issues. By opening the lines of communication and repeating their concerns they often times see the error(s) and resolving the problem.
Rebecca Boghich
I agree with you. As an instructor, we must remain calm, which diffuses the anger. A listening ear lets the student know we are concerned about him/her and willing to help, if necessary.
Most of the times students are angry because of a simple misunderstanding. Remaining calm is the key.
