Angry students can be very disruptive to the class. I like to listen to the angry student first hear what they have to say. If it is something that needs to be immediately addressed I may send them to see the Department Head. Usually it is not that urgent they are just venting. I let them vent briefly then ask if we can discuss after class. Usually that works for me.
I often remain calm and speak in a very low voice. It helps to deescalate the situation. I also found it helpful to stick to the facts and not make it an emotional issue. If they are upset about a test score. I try to get feedback about what would have helped them more.
Listening is key. Outside sources may be affecting their work in class.
In my opinion the best way to handle an angry student is to assess the current situation and allow the student if they so choose to tell you what is happening to cause this problem and if they do not want to share with you let them know that you are an open listener and will not make any judgements on them. Sometimes it is good just to have someone hear what you are saying. Allow them to tell you what is happening or just let them know you are available to listen.
Listen. This student may be angry about something unrelated to school, but something that happened at school or regarding the school is the ultimate straw that broke the camel's back. We all have lives outside of school, and school puts more stress on students. Listening to the problem and empathizing with the student will go a long way to resolving the anger.
Hi Amy,
I agree! Our students need to know that we care, and we want to help them, and they can come to talk to us about anything, and we will listen. Let the students know that the information will be kept confidential.
Patricia
Hi Deborah,
I agree! Most of the time, the angry student simply needs to vent.
Patricia
Take them aside and listen to their complaint. Paraphrase it back to them to make sure you understand what they are saying. Once you understand what the problem is you can begin to address it.
I agree. Don't let the personal end get in your way. This can be difficult for some people. You just want to defend yourself. When digging in further it usually ends up not to be about you at all!
I once had half the class angry because they were told my literature course would be "easy" by another faculty member and without my knowledge. Though I went over the syllabus and nothing on it appeared "easy," I guess they bought into what they were originally told. This was costly to me as an instructor. I had to continue on while facing a sullen class. In the end, the few who decided to do the work required were rewarded (I hope) by excellent term papers and a clear understanding of how to analyze literature (as opposed to just "reading some fun stuff.")
By all means, listen to the complaint---it may be valid. If it is, correct the "injustice". If not, ask the angry student to submit the complaint in writing so that you can begin building a paper trail to defend your decision if necessary.
Hi Robert,
Listening is key! We should always cover ourselves through proper documentation.
Patricia Scales
Take a mini break; escort the student out of the class to let them know that we can postpone debate and discuss it after class.
Then follow up.
Usually that's enough time for the student to cool off.
Set aside time to listen to that student's complaints in a one on one conversation so as not to be distracted or rushed.
The first thing you should do is just listen and see what the problem is...most times you will find that a student just want someone to listen to them, and feel validated. They just want to know that someone cares and is concerned about them.
Take the student aside and let him vent , thenfind a common ground to settle the matter
Find out why they are angry
I too, would stop and give my full attention to that student to voice his anger and hopefully defuse it. If this does not work, I would get a third party to help, my supervisor, not another instructor as that might set up a good guy/ bad guy senario.
Hi Catharine,
Listening is key! It is never a bad idea to have a witness sit in when you are addressing an angry student.
Patricia Scales
Listening is very effective, but it should be noted that if the student is very angry in class, he/she may be disrupting the learning of others and it may be more effective to step out of the classroom (with another instructor or admin person as a witness) to hear a severe complaint. I have not tried having a student write down their complaint before, but feel that that could be very useful indeed, and intend to use this technique when appropriate!
