With Oppositional Students

When working with an oppositionally defiant student, it’s critical that the adult remains patient and focuses on replacement behaviors that are acceptable options to both teacher and student. Responding to a challenging student requires a strong locus of control, forethought and planning.

De-escalating a confrontation can be accomplished by using a number of strategies. The following suggestions require tremendous desire on the part of the teacher for maintaining his or her own control and understanding that the student needs to save face.

*Maintain a calm and reassuring “It resides within you to do what I’m asking you to do” attitude throughout the interaction.

*Be an active listener and acknowledge the student s concerns: “It appears there’s some legitimate concerns that have caused this dilemma”, Let me think about it and I’ll get back to you”, “Perhaps we can explore some other options”.

*Keep the focus on the desired results of learning or the goal for the time period. For example, you could say, “Sounds like we have an issue to resolve. (set another time frame to resolve the issue) But for now, I need you to&”

*Use self-directed humor or a fogging technique. “You may be right!” Or “Why didn’t I think of that? You’d think after 15 years of teaching, I would’ve taken that into consideration.”

*Try the broken record approach communication through a non-confrontational voice and body language: “Would you consider walking over to the cooling off center by yourself or do you need a little help from a friend?”

– Gene Bedley