Having dealt with angry students already, there are some ways to handle these angry students.
The first approach I take with an angry student (and this works best if the student becomes angry during class or is frustrated as well) is to let the student take a 5 minute or so break from the class room to recollect themselves and their thoughts and also as a way to cool them down so they can be somewhat easier to approach when we talk about the situation.
After they return from their breather, I then approach the student and ask what the situation is that has caused them to act out in such a way as they did. (note that I do this face to face and in private away from other students).
After having a nice heart-to-heart conversation with the student I am able to better understand the situation which has caused them to act in this way, and also lets the student know that I am there for them first and foremost, and that I would never want them to have to feel that they cannot speak to me about any problem or issue they may be facing.
In the end the angered student then becomes calm once again, and also instills a trust in me, knowing that they can always come to me when they are feeling angry, sad, hurt or just having a bad day.
Hi Karin,
Listening is key, but I will never whole up the entire class for an angry student. I wil deal with the angry student on her time, not at the expense of other sudents' time.
Patricia
Hi Alexander,
Listening is key! Sometimes the angry student simply wants to vent. If the issue is beyond your scope, as you have done, always find appropriate personnel to deal with the problem.
Patricia
If given a situation, I will ledt students know I have a open door policy. I will be happy to discuss a situation with them before of after class. I listen and try to find ways to solve the problem. Being a goods teacher means you have to listen even to the "angry" student. It will make you effective in your teaching career
Stop what I'm currently doing and listen. Even If the anger turns somewhat personal. Leting Him or Her vent can often defuse a situation. Then I try to repeat thier complaint back to be sure I understand. I also ask how or what I can do. This helps me to know what is expected.
Often angry students can be defused. Sometimes their anger is misdirected towards an instructor. It helps if the instructor remains calm and doesn't take the conversation / anger personally. The instructor should strive to be an empathetic listener, especially since often the student just needs to vent. Instructors, however, should be aware of the early warning signs of students who are in distress. As professionals, we should know what resources are available to help students; these resources are both internal and external to CEC.
Finally, it should be noted that instructors are human and sometimes make mistakes. If the student's anger is justifiable, we as instructors should be willing to apologize. Saying " I am sorry" or " I made a mistake" will restore a student's trust in you and such statements do not weaken you
as an instructor. I am willing to own a mistake if it is mine,
but I must admit I daily strive to be a professional and a role model, so I do not often have to restore instructor-student
relationships.
The students that I have found to be the most challenging are
those with a bipolar diagnosis. These students have
unpredictable behaviors and are often irrational. I have had
several of these students, and a few have had irrational
outbursts in my classroom. Twice these students have
charged out of my classroom after verbally assaulting either
me or another student. In these particular cases, I
encouraged them to go report me to the Dean; I suggested
this very calmly and professionally.
Why would I make such a suggestion? I wanted the Dean to see the student's uncontrolled behavior, so he would understand the struggle I was having at that moment in time.
This strategy worked out great each time, and I had administrators watching my back.
I will stop rambling now!
Jackie
P.S. I tried to fix my spacing issues on this post, but my iPad seems to have a mind of it's own tonight. I apologize for the misalignment of paragraphs and lines. - Jackie
listening is the best when dealing with angry students, when they relax some, then is the time to find out reasons for their anger.
Hi Jackie,
Angry students most of the time just need someone to listen to them FULLY. Listening is key, and they really appreciate to have us as sounding boards.
Patricia
When confronted with an angry student I make sure that I first validate their concerns and assure them I will do my best to help; sometimes the actual reasons for the anger may have nothing to do with class but they still need to be heard. So the first thing I do is listen...
Hi Annabelle,
Listening is key! Sometimes angry students simply need to get things off of their chest.
Patricia
Listen to him/her what he has to say and why that person is angry.
Yes, speaking of, I have a former student coming in tomorrow who has failed her CPC-A exam twice and apparently is blaming her instructors. I plan to listen briefly and then nip that in the bud with the news that three out of four of our recent graduating class passed it on the first try.
Having raised my own children, I seem to have the ability to quell the angry student with logic. However, I have encountered the problem where the angry student becomes the entitled student. I explain that the student can achieve. At the end of the discussion, I believe that I have conquered the issue. Once, this resulted in the student believing that they had been promised the grade when I thought I had made it clear that they would get the grade as long as they do the work.
Hi Richard,
Listening is key when it comes to angry students. Sometimes they simply need a sounding board.
Patricia
The first thing you should always do when dealing with an angry student is stop and listen to what they are angry about. Sometmes they are not so much angry at something that you have done or said but mabye they are just overwhelmed with their outside life and trying to deal with school. By listening you show that you do care about them and their education. Also letting them get their anger off their chest it may resolve what issue they have. Sometimes people just need to vent out their frustrations. If they are still angry you should set up a time to meet with them to further discuss what is bothering them. Have them write down questions and specific things they are having issues with, this way you let them know that you want to resolve their issues but it gives them a chance to really think over what they are angry about. Also ask them to come up with some things that they think will help the situation and then you can compare them to what action plan you have created. Make sure that you follow up with that student until their issues are resolved.
1. Listen, tell the student you are willing to give him a fair chance.
2. Advise him to document his concerns to you and the program director.
3. Prepare your response, arrange for a meeting with the student and program director.
4. If the student is at fault, explain him the further procedures to be followed. If the student has a genuine concern, review your policy and procedures by discussing the issue at the department meeting. If needed necessary amendments will have to be made to the policy and procedure manual. Review and implement any changes to your course, as life is all about learning.
When one is confronted with an angry student it would be of the best interest to listen to the student showing great concern. By taking the time to listen to the student, it allows the student to feel as if you are concern about him/her. On the other hand, it allows you to get a good feel of what type of student you have. From the information you have gathered from this student will help you detect if any inteventions are needed to assist this student.
Hi Shirley,
Listening is key! You really can learn a lot about an angry student by simply listening to them. Students need to know that we geniunely care.
Patricia
Understaning that adult students have other thinkgs in their lives besides my class, is a consideration that I give to all of my students. Most of the time an angry student is not angry with me, I'm just the one there for them to vent toward. With this in mind, I try very hard not to take student frustrations personaly. Sometimes an angry student just needs to talk about what is bothering them. I do listen to my students who need to talk. I learned from teaching high school students that becoming defensive or confrontational is always like pouring gasoline on fire. So, I usually wait until there is a point where I can quietly aproach the student and speak to him/her in a calm, reassuring way. Or simply suggesting a short break helps the student walk off anger, collect themselves, and return to class.
It my take all the energy I have, but the first thing I try to do when confronted with an angry student is to stay calm.
