Angry Student, Dissenter
Technique:
Treat this student as fairly and equitably as possible.
Anger is a very real and powerful emotion. It is as healthy and reasonable
a reaction as any other human emotion. It has a direct physiological base
and is largely the product of adrenalin. The student who is expressing
anger may need assistance in keeping it controlled and expressing it productively.
Procedures:
- Discuss anger and other emotions in class.
- Provide options for productive expression of anger.
- assertive communications
- physical outlets for dissipating anger
- training in conflict resolution and mediation of problems
- anger thermometer activity (see Values lessons)
- Practice and model self discipline.
- Teacher does not engage in power struggle
- Maintain plane above punishment or verbal recrimination
- Anger is very ăcatchingä so recognize and extricate self
- Build trust with the student.
- Discussion of feelings
- One to One explorations of student feelings and needs
- Maintain firmness and consistency
- Ask student to communicate anger as it first emerges
- Teach ways to deflect anger.
- Thought-stopping
- Distraction
- Meditation
- Avoid over stimulation
- Teach methods for adopting a positive attitude.
- Humor
- Empathy
- Gratitude
- Forgiving is more powerful (and more difficult) than revenge
- Take down sail in a storm
- Detail ways for student to self monitor and celebrate discipline
Medical concerns:
- Check vision and hearing -- there can be a great deal of irritation
and anger generated when senses fail and the student may not be
aware of the loss - may not realize others see or hear more.
- Some seizure disorders are closely association with rage.
- Drug reactions may include anger, rage and diminished self control.
Remember to be direct, soothing and calming in approaching a person
who is upset. Allow the person a wide area of personal space, keeping
motions fluid.
Triggers to avoid:
- Saying, "I know just how you feel!"
- Coming from behind
- Threatening
- Shaming
- Taking away privileges
- Infringing on space or possessions
- Belittling
- Making them lose face with others
Resource:
Williams, V. & R.W. (1994). Anger Kills. New York: Harper.
Once you
have completed this topic you should:
Go back to Techniques
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