Angry Students
An angry student has the ability to change the dynamics of the entire class. How do you prevent one angry student from infecting an entire class?
Hi Bonnie,
I have seen where angry students can change the dynamics of the entire class. Anger can be cancerous. I normally take care of angry students immediately. I have a private conversation with the student. I basically aim the conversation from the perspective that you must learn how to control your anger because in the workplace there may be times that you become angry, but you must keep your composure, otherwise, you can possibly lose your job. I always ask the question who are you angry with? Normally, the student responds by saying with myself, and respond by saying you are in full control, make things right. Generally, the student is receptive to the conversation and will apologize.
Patricia
When situations have come up in my classroom where anger is expressed I have been known to state "anger is double-edged; it has its necessi-ties -- like fire,it can warm (get the 'creative juices flowing,), but it can also consume and be very destructive. This is destructive anger, and I will not allow it in my classroom. I make a point of taking it out of 'person.' If that doesn't work, I state "I need to see you during break, but please quiet down for now so that the class can move forward." If that doesn't work I ask the student to leave, as I do not tolerate 'bad drama.' There once was a time when I had to involve security to remove a student who attacked another. I told my depart-ment chairperson that this student needed to be expelled immediately, and she was.
Hi Anne,
Good for you, I would not have tolerated the attack either in my classroom. You did exactly what I would have done, told the department chairperson the student needed to be expelled immediately. Students must learn how to control their anger, not only is it important in the classroom, but it is also important in the workplace.
Patricia
I think it depends on the level of anger. If he's really getting uncontrollable, will show sign of violence,then assistance from higher people is needed.
If you think, he can still listen to you, then I think you can ask him to go outside the room, and listen, giving him assurance that you understand. Once he's settled down, then that's the time to explain to him that at this point in his/her life where he's trying to acquire skills to better his/her life, management of anger and attitude should be well considered.
Hi Teresita,
As an educator, never put yourself in danger from an angry student that is uncontrollable. Always use good judgement to determine if you can calm the angry student, if you can not, do not push the issue. Once the student is able to talk to, then you go into your spiel. If the student is too angry to reason with, the student should be dismissed from class.
Patricia
The first thing is to get that student out of the class so their is no further disruption to the rest of the class. Taking them out into the hallway and first listening to their concerns and then trying to reason with them. It always helps if someone else, (another instructor or a manager) can assist in defusing the issue.
Hi Don,
I agree, it is best to remove the student from the classroom, howvever, instead of taking the student into the hallway, I always take the student in a private setting, such as an empty office, empty conference room, empty classroom, etc. It is best to diffuse the issue yourself, if possible, to let the student know that you can manage your classroom.
Patricia
Removing the angry student from the class is the first step. if you can't resolve his issues in a timely manor he needs to be sent to the next supervisor who can resolve his issues.
Andy,
I agree with you! As the educator, you should first try to resolve the issue and then proceed from that point.
Patricia
I will ask him/her to meet me outside the classroom and listen individually to his/her issues or reasons for being angry.
Hi Kessle,
I agree, it is best to remove the student from the classroom. I always take the student in a private setting, such as an empty office, empty conference room, empty classroom, etc.
Patricia
I have found that most angry students come from work or home and brought the anger with them. This is when i try to help them before class starts and that way it does not interfer with class. If I dont catch it before class then I ask them out side or to another room and try talk there way out of there anger. If I need to some times I try to have another instructor help as a neutral adviser.
Hi Bruce,
Our students have a lot going on in their personal lives. It is good, if you can take care of their problems before class starts so that they can focus.
Patricia
I usually catch the student in a one on one setting and ask if anything is bother that student. the student will open up most times at thtat point and unload. I find that tlking to the student one on one helps with their trusting me as well as my genuine concern for that students success. This practice usually has the student refocusing on their problem and that leads them to being more attentative in class and projects. The student will usually come by and thank me for listening to them.
Hi Jason,
I like to talk to my students one-on-one as well in a private setting. My office is generally where the conversation takes place. Students feel very important, when the instructor takes time to talk with them privately one-on-one. The students really do appreciate the conversation and will thank you most of the time.
Patricia
I will pull an angry student out of class to talk to them one on one. Sometimes the student will talk about it, other times not. Either way you're showing concern for them and it gets them thinking. If the student refuses to open up and allow you to guide them in the right direction, this would be the time you can explain to the student that it's in their own best interest to calm down and focus on what they should be doing right now. After all, they are at school to learn. If they calm down thats good, if not I have the option of sending he/she to either an Educational Manager or to a councilor as a deterent from corrupting the class.
Hi Thomas,
I've had the situation where a student was extremely angry, and I pulled the student out of class to speak with them. The student informed me that she was too angry to discuss anything. I immediately said okay, but I made it known to the student that she could reenter as long as she behaved appropriately, but she and I must speak the next day once she cools down. I always respect a student if he or she is too angry to have a discussion. Have you had a similar situation as mine?
Patricia
The angry student maybe just needs to be listened too.
H Jeanie,
Listening is really key when it comes to an angry student. Sometimes the student simply needs to vent.
Patricia
