Day 14: The Angry Learner

     Anger is a healthy and normal part of life and no one knows this better than teachers. These days young adults, lack healthy outlets to release their pent-up up frustrations and as such express their anger at times in disruptive outbursts that can halt learning for everyone around them. These angry outbursts have less to do with anything in particular and tend to stem from an inability to self-monitor and communicate their thoughts and feelings.  The challenge then when working with students is being able to feel out the situation and control your own actions and feelings, as well as those of the students around you. 

Here are a few things you can try in order to help your students get back on track and gain healthy coping skills:

1. Intervene early on: Suddenly voices are raised or the room falls into still silence. This atmosphere change can be sudden, but usually, you can tell when something is up after being with a class for a bit. This is the time to act before anything can get out out a hand. talk with students you think are at risk of outbursts, maybe switch up activities or have the student go for a walk with an adult. While not every situation will be avoidable there are usually patterns of behaviors that you can pick up on and diffuse. 
2. 1:1 or small group intervention: While not every outburst is due to a frustration towards school work, it is also not uncommon. Try your best to provide additional support or modifications/ accommodations for those students that need it in order to build academic confidence. While that isn't always possible for every situation, make students aware of when you are available or provide guidance when and where appropriate. 
3. Create an action plan with the student: While you will usually get the standard answer of I don't know, some students are willing to work with you when it comes to creating an educational goal system. Start by asking them why they did what they did and try identifying the causes. Once you and more importantly they have an idea of the source of the frustration, try coming up with a student-driven action plan.
4. Have a private discussion: Sometimes the classroom is not the best place to have a discussion. When that is the case try and get the student to meet with you after class or in the hallway when appropriate. These conversations allow students to feel like their thoughts are being heard, but are also important in keeping with classroom expectations
5. Stay calm: The most important and effective way to handle classroom disruption is to self-model calm behavior.  When handling a frustrated student avoid arguing with them or adding fuel to the fire. Be aware of tone and body language that is non-threatening and allow them to speak, while upholding classroom policies.

     While these five classroom management tricks are by no means effective 100% of the time, they can make a difference to your classroom's atmosphere. If you have any additional tips or trick, please share a comment below and I hope everyone has a safe and productive school year.