Christian University Instructors' Approach To Confrontational Students

Teaching is a challenging profession, and one of the most daunting aspects is dealing with confrontational students. While confrontations are not an everyday occurrence, most teachers will have to navigate a student acting belligerently and speaking out in class. This scenario can be especially tricky for Christian university instructors, who must balance their faith's tenets of grace and truth with maintaining classroom authority and ensuring a positive learning environment for all students.

Instructors should not lose their temper or raise their voice

It is imperative that instructors at Christian universities do not lose their temper or raise their voice when dealing with confrontational students. This can be challenging, but it is crucial to remember that raising your voice will only escalate the situation. Instead, lower your voice as the student gets louder, helping you to maintain control and appear less confrontational. This approach can help to calm the situation.

Instructors should also be mindful of their body language and tone of voice. It is important to remain calm and authoritative, as losing your temper will cause you to lose your position of authority and lower yourself to the student's level. Take a deep breath, and remember that you are the authority figure.

If a student is acting belligerently, it is best to address the issue immediately. Letting unacceptable behaviour slide will only undermine your authority. Address the class as a whole, clearly outlining what is and is not acceptable. If the problem stems from one or two individuals, you can address them directly, either with a gentle admonition or by speaking to them privately after class.

It is also important to set realistic expectations. Clearly outline the scope and objectives of the course, so that students know what to expect. Additionally, be transparent about your areas of expertise, and invite students to share their own knowledge in areas outside of your specialisation. This can help to prevent students from challenging your authority.

Finally, it is crucial not to react defensively when confronted. Hear the student out, and be respectful of their opinion. Ask them to explain their rationale and provide evidence for their views. This can help to defuse the situation and strengthen your credibility with the class.

They should not get other students involved

When dealing with confrontational students, it is important that instructors at Christian universities do not get other students involved. This is counterproductive and can escalate the situation. For example, if a student is making an accusation, instructors should refrain from turning to the rest of the class to confirm or deny the accusation. This may cause the confrontational student to feel cornered and lash out further. Instead, instructors should calmly respond that they will be happy to speak with the student once they have calmed down.

Instructors should also avoid modelling behaviours they do not want students to emulate. This includes aggressive and argumentative behaviours. Instead, instructors should model respectful disagreement and avoid reacting defensively. This can help to defuse the situation and strengthen their credibility with the class.

Instructors should further be mindful of their authority in the classroom. Students may act rudely to test the instructor or show off to classmates. This is more likely to occur if the instructor's authority is in question, for example, if they appear timid or not in command. To establish authority, instructors can consider their self-presentation, including their dress, movement, and speech. They should also offer a well-designed course that is meaningful to students.

Additionally, it is important to set realistic expectations. Instructors should clearly outline the scope and objectives of the course, as well as their areas of expertise, in the syllabus and on the first day of class. This can help reduce challenges to the instructor's authority.

Instructors should also be prepared to address difficult dialogues that may arise in the classroom. These "hot moments" can be instigated by both students and instructors and can be intimidating for all involved. Strategies to prevent and manage hot moments include establishing guidelines for interaction, acknowledging microaggressions, and preparing in advance for how to respond.

They should speak to the student privately

When dealing with confrontational students, it is important to remain calm and not raise your voice. One strategy is to speak to the student privately, perhaps asking them to step outside the classroom, to discuss their issues and come to a resolution. It is important to recognise that the student is upset and to use active listening techniques to calm them down. Once the student is calm, you can then talk through the problem and work together to find a resolution. This strategy can help to de-escalate the situation and prevent it from getting out of hand.

When speaking to the student privately, it is important to acknowledge their feelings and show that you understand their perspective. This can help to build trust and encourage the student to express their concerns. It is also an opportunity to model respectful disagreement and to demonstrate active listening. By creating a safe and supportive environment, you can encourage the student to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement.

During the private conversation, it is important to clearly explain how the student's actions are negatively impacting the class. Refer to the course policies and the college's code of conduct, and the potential consequences of their behaviour. This can help the student understand the seriousness of their actions and encourage them to modify their behaviour. It is also important to offer support and resources to the student, such as tutoring or study groups, to help them improve their performance and behaviour.

If the student's behaviour persists or becomes disruptive, it may be necessary to involve the department head or the appropriate college authority. It is important to document any incidents, including dates, times, and details, to provide a record of the situation. This can be helpful if further action needs to be taken.

They should not goad the student

Instructors at Christian universities should not goad their students during confrontations. While this may seem obvious, some teachers enjoy provoking their students. It is important to focus on what is best for each student and move past any petty feelings about past classroom confrontations. Even if an instructor privately dislikes a student, they should never show it.

Instead, instructors should approach their students with grace and truth, pointing them towards Jesus and forgiving them for any wrongdoings. Confrontation should be a process of gentle correction filled with compassion and firmness. It is important to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Instructors should also be mindful of their own motives when confronting a student. They should ask themselves whether they are doing it to be right or because they love and care for the student.

Instructors should also be mindful of their authority in the classroom. If a student is challenging an instructor's authority, the instructor should consider the image they are projecting. They should dress, move, and speak in a way that presents themselves with professionalism and authority. Additionally, they should offer a well-designed course that is meaningful to the students. If students see the value in the course, they are less likely to challenge the instructor's authority.

They should be humble and apologise if necessary

When dealing with confrontational students, it is important for Christian university instructors to remain humble and apologise if necessary. This involves acknowledging mistakes and being open to learning from students.

Instructors should be mindful of their own behaviour and attitudes, as well as those of their students, to ensure they are not contributing to the problem. For example, instructors should be careful not to interrupt students, ignore their contributions, or fail to acknowledge their answers. By modelling respectful behaviour, instructors can encourage students to follow suit. This includes voicing disagreement respectfully and avoiding aggressive or argumentative behaviour.

If an instructor makes a mistake or realises they are wrong about something, they should be humble and apologise. This can help to build trust and foster a positive classroom environment. It also demonstrates to students that it is okay to make mistakes and that learning is a continuous process.

Additionally, instructors can prepare in advance by considering how they will respond to difficult situations. This can help them stay calm and handle the situation effectively. It is important for instructors to remain respectful and sensitive during difficult dialogues, legitimising the issue and accepting students' differing realities. By doing so, instructors can de-escalate the situation and create a safe space for discussion.

Instructors should also be aware of the impact of their words and actions on students' long-term health and well-being. Microaggressions, for example, can have a cumulative effect on students over time, impacting their mental, emotional, and physical health. Therefore, it is crucial for instructors to be mindful of their behaviour and to apologise if they engage in any form of microaggression.

By remaining humble, open to learning, and willing to apologise when necessary, Christian university instructors can effectively handle confrontational students and create a positive and inclusive classroom environment.

Frequently asked questions