Responding to this type of student requires careful and intentional behaviors on the part of the teacher. Remember any behavior that escalates will deteriorate!

De-escalating a confrontation student can be accomplished using the following procedures. Teacher must first find a way to maintain a locus of control that reveals confidence and resolve that the issue Secondary Schools can find a successful conclusion. If the confrontation is in front of the class it s important to redirect and postpone to another time and location if at all possible. Audiences distract from problem solving.

1.Make sure you stand to the side of the confrontational student and not above them or in front of the student. Physical Position is of the utmost importance.

2.Maintain a positive and calm “locus of control” by not taking the things conveyed as personal. Focus on the impact of others in the class and maintaining a positive climate.

3. Be the kind of person that you need when you are in a confrontational mode.

4. Keep the focus on the desired behavior that will work for both of you. In discussing options, Say If it will work for you and me then it will work! Has to work for both of us!

5. If applicable use self directed humor or self-admonishment. You’d think after all the classes I ve taken and classes I’ve taught I would of thought of a solution that would solve the problem.

6. Agree with the confrontational Student. State, “You may be absolutely right”. It’s hard to keep the confrontation alive if someone agrees with you. Agreeing with an adversarial position disarms the conflict.

7. Relate to the students feeling. Sounds like you have every reason to be upset and ticked. Help me understand what’s happened. Remember anger is often transferred from one situation to another.

8. Assure the confrontational student that problems are merely questions needing to be solved and your confident that we can resolve the differences. Promote a “we’re better together attitude.”

– Gene Bedley