Students angry with each other
There may be something about this in the forum that I missed, but I'm wondering how instructors have dealt with anger when it's students angry at another student for whatever reason.
I think it is important to let them know their personal problems do not belong in the class room. IF they are angry about disruptive behavior in the class room the solution is to deal with the disruptive behavior. Probably other students are upset also.
Hi Jean,
That is all you can say. Do not let them bring their personal problems in your classroom to disrupt the class, not fair to the other students or you.
Patricia Scales
One of the hardest parts of dealing with students who are angry at each other, is the fact that they are angry because of personal issue that happened outside of school.
Many of my students live or work together. Some are friends outside of school, boyfriend/girlfriend, etc.
So when they bring their personal issue to school, as the instructor I sometimes feel helpless because I have no knowledge about their problem. All I can really say is that their behavior is not appropriate in school.
Does anyone have other suggestions?
In my experience this happen fairly frequently.
The
-"know-it-all" who has an answer to every question and dominates the conversation
-the "distractor" who just seems to like to be at the center of attention
-the "skeptic" who questions everything the instructor says
-and occasional simply interpersonal dynamics (I'm sure there are others I haven't thought of in the moment)
For the first three I have found that classroom management really is the key as outlined in this course, framing the time so that all students have an opportunity to share, limiting excess questions but setting a time limit for Q&A, talking to the individual outside of class and explaining the importance for everyone to participate and asking for their assistance in making that happen, and not being afraid to simply interrupt and move the class forward.
I find it's harder when two individuals have built a negative relationship. In that case it really is dependent on the instructor to meet with each individually, and maybe both together, to discuss how they can work to reduce the tension in the classroom. I have brought in the counseling center as needed to assist with those situations.
