Lana Oconnell
Christian students in universities often face challenges to their faith and may need support from their communities to meet these challenges in a Godly way. They may also face discrimination and attacks on their religious freedom. Teachers in Christian universities may encounter confrontational students who challenge their authority or openly challenge the teacher in front of other students. It is important for teachers to remain calm and not lose their temper in such situations, as it can escalate the situation and lead to a power struggle. Instead, they should focus on de-escalation techniques, such as speaking in a quieter tone and removing the audience by asking the student to step outside for a calm conversation. Building positive relationships with students and following the school's behaviour policy can also help prevent confrontations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Remain calm | Do not lose your temper or raise your voice |
| Do not goad students | Focus on what's best for each student |
| Avoid an audience | Take the student aside to discuss the issue |
| Develop positive relationships with students | Spend time having positive conversations with students |
| Be proactive | Learn techniques and strategies to prevent confrontations |
| Be consistent | Deal with interruptions every time they happen |
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What You'll Learn
Remain calm and avoid raising your voice
It is imperative to remain calm when dealing with confrontational students. Losing your temper and raising your voice will only escalate the situation and cause you to lose your position of authority. Instead, take a deep breath and remember that you are the authority figure. Speak in a quieter tone as the student gets louder.
A proactive approach to classroom management is recommended. Early in the school year, identify students who may be prone to confrontational behaviour. Once identified, take proactive steps to build positive relationships with these students. Spend time having positive conversations with them outside of class time, such as in the cafeteria or during passing time in the hallway. These conversations should be uninterrupted and occur daily for 8 to 10 days in a row to develop trust. Share your interests with the student so they can see you as a whole person, rather than just a teacher.
During a confrontation, do not turn to the rest of the class to involve them or ask for their input. This may cause the confrontational student to feel cornered and lash out further. Instead, calmly inform the student that you are willing to speak with them once they have calmed down. You can ask them to step outside and discuss the issue one-on-one. Recognise that you understand they are upset, and work together to determine a resolution to the problem.
Remember that your health comes first. Do not allow yourself to be goaded by students and maintain a neutral facial expression and tone of voice. You are in control of the classroom, and it is your job to define what constitutes an interruption. If a student is deliberately disrupting the class, maintain eye contact to let them know that you are aware of their behaviour and that you are in control.
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Take the student aside to discuss the issue
Taking a student aside to discuss the issue is a great way to de-escalate a situation and resolve a confrontation. This approach can help to calm the student and prevent the situation from escalating in front of the rest of the class. It is important to remember that you are the authority figure and that raising your voice or losing your temper will only make the situation worse. Instead, take a deep breath and speak to the student quietly and calmly.
Firstly, ask the student to step outside the classroom. By removing the audience, you can talk to the student about their issues and try to come to a resolution. It is important to acknowledge that the student is upset and to remain calm yourself. You might say something like, "I can see that you are upset, and I want to understand why. Let's take a moment to step outside and talk about this calmly." This approach helps to validate the student's feelings and shows that you are willing to listen and work towards a solution together.
During your conversation, actively listen to the student's concerns and try to understand their perspective. Show empathy and acknowledge their feelings. For example, you could say, "I understand that this topic may be challenging for you, and I appreciate you sharing your thoughts with me. Let's work together to find a solution." By using 'I' statements and a calm tone, you can help to de-escalate the situation and build a connection with the student.
After hearing the student's perspective, work collaboratively to find a solution or compromise. Involve the student in the problem-solving process and provide them with alternatives to handle the situation more constructively in the future. For instance, you might suggest, "I appreciate your honesty about your feelings. Going forward, if you have any concerns or disagreements, I'd like you to approach me during my office hours, and we can discuss them calmly together."
Finally, follow up with the student a day or two later to check in and discuss the situation further if needed. This shows that you care about their well-being and helps to reinforce a positive relationship. It also provides an opportunity to remind the student of the agreed-upon strategies for handling similar situations in the future.
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Develop positive relationships with students
Developing positive relationships with students is a cornerstone teaching skill. It is important to commit to making time for positive conversations with students, whether before class, in the cafeteria, during passing time in the hallway, or at school events. These conversations should focus on the student's interests outside of academics, such as their hobbies, extracurricular activities, plans for the future, and job opportunities. It is also beneficial to share your own interests with the student, allowing them to view you as a whole person. This helps to build trust and improve the student's perception of you as a teacher.
It is essential to approach these interactions with sincerity and an open mind. Be mindful of your facial expressions and tone of voice, maintaining a neutral and non-confrontational demeanour. Avoid eye-rolling, sighing, or any behaviour that might convey negative feelings. Students who are prone to confrontation are often sensitive to non-verbal cues and can quickly pick up on negative energy.
Consistency is key when building positive relationships. Make it a daily habit to engage in positive conversations with the student for at least 8 to 10 days in a row. During this time, refrain from correcting the student or attempting to change their classroom behaviour. Instead, focus on listening and showing a sincere interest in their thoughts and feelings. This consistency helps to establish trust and lays the foundation for a more positive relationship.
Additionally, it is crucial to maintain fairness and impartiality in the classroom. Favouritism can breed resentment and provide confrontational students with a perceived justification for their behaviour. By disciplining all students equally, regardless of their behaviour, teachers can prevent feelings of unfair treatment and reduce the likelihood of confrontations.
Finally, remember that building positive relationships takes time and effort. It involves creating new neural pathways in the brain, similar to forging a new trail in a forest. By connecting new information with students' existing knowledge and experiences, you can facilitate understanding and strengthen your relationship. This process requires repetition and a genuine commitment to understanding your students and meeting them where they are.
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Do not goad students or show dislike
It can be challenging for teachers to deal with confrontational students in the classroom. While confrontations are not everyday occurrences, it is important to know how to handle such situations effectively and calmly. One key thing to remember is to not goad students or show dislike towards them.
It is imperative to remain calm and not lose your temper when dealing with confrontational students. Raising your voice will only escalate the situation. Instead, try to speak quieter as the student gets louder. Avoid getting other students involved in the confrontation, as this may cause the student to feel cornered and lash out further. Rather, calmly let the student know that you are willing to speak with them about the situation once they have calmed down.
It is also important to not let the situation escalate into a power struggle. While it is necessary to set boundaries and maintain your authority, do not engage in a battle of wills with the student. Instead, focus on de-escalating the situation and finding a resolution. This may involve removing the audience by asking the student to step outside and speaking with them privately.
Additionally, it is crucial to not goad or provoke the student. While it may be tempting to match their confrontational tone, refrain from doing so. Do not stoop to their level and maintain your professionalism. Even if you may privately dislike the student, do not let it show in your words or actions. Instead, try to build a positive relationship with the student by having conversations with them outside of class and showing interest in their plans and interests.
By remaining calm, de-escalating the situation, and refraining from goading or showing dislike, you can effectively handle confrontational students without escalating the issue. Remember, the goal is to resolve the conflict and maintain a respectful and positive learning environment for all students.
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Focus on self-discipline and accountability
While teaching at a Christian university, you may encounter confrontational students who challenge your authority or disrupt the class. Here are some strategies to handle such situations effectively, with a focus on self-discipline and accountability:
Remain Calm and Avoid Escalation:
It is crucial to maintain your composure during confrontations. Raising your voice or losing your temper will only escalate the situation and undermine your position of authority. Instead, take a deep breath, speak in a quieter tone, and remember that you are the authority figure.
Develop Positive Relationships:
Building positive relationships with students can help prevent confrontations. Commit to spending uninterrupted time engaging in positive conversations with students, showing them that you care about them beyond their behaviour in the classroom. This can help foster trust and encourage students to view you as a mentor or guide rather than an adversary.
Proactive Classroom Management:
Be proactive in establishing clear rules and routines for your classroom. Implement strategies such as greeting each student as they enter, maintaining neutral facial expressions and tone, and consistently addressing interruptions. By setting clear expectations and boundaries, you can reduce the likelihood of confrontations.
Focus on Self-Discipline:
Encourage students to practice self-discipline and accountability. Remind them that they are responsible not only to themselves but also to a higher power. Gently guide them towards making better choices and managing their behaviour. This can be achieved through prayer, reflection, and seeking divine guidance.
Address Individual Students:
If a student is frequently confrontational, consider speaking with them privately. Pull them aside a day or two after a resolved incident and calmly discuss the situation. Work together to identify triggers and develop alternative strategies for handling their emotions. Encourage them to approach you quietly if they have concerns, rather than disrupting the class.
Seek Support:
If necessary, involve parents and school administration in a conference to address persistent behavioural issues. Collaborate to create a plan to support the student and help them manage their anger or emotional triggers. Utilise the resources available within the Christian university setting, such as campus ministries or counselling services, to provide additional guidance and spiritual support for students struggling with self-discipline.
By focusing on self-discipline and accountability, both for yourself and your students, you can effectively handle confrontational situations and guide your students towards personal growth and improved classroom behaviour.
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Frequently asked questions
It is imperative that you remain calm and don't lose your temper. Take a deep breath and remember that you are the authority figure. You can also try talking quieter as the student gets louder. Do not get other students involved in the confrontation. Instead, calmly let the student know that you will be happy to speak with them about the situation once they calm down.
Identify students with the potential to be confrontational early in the school year and take proactive steps to avoid future issues. One strategy is to develop positive relationships with these students by committing to having positive conversations with them. You can also stand at the entrance to your classroom and greet each student as they enter with a smile and a neutral tone of voice.
Avoid getting into a power struggle with the student. Instead of asking them to move, try making and maintaining eye contact with them. This will show them that you are aware of what is happening and that you are in control.
