Diffusing Tension in the Classroom:  Dealing with Disruptive Students

Nearly all of us have experienced a tense classroom moment or struggled with disruptive students.  Certainly students who feel threatened by world views that collide with their own or worry a professor is promoting a position some students resist can be a source of tension.  However, not all tension in the class is about challenging course content.  Some students just struggle with social interactions, or they bring anger to the class, or they are even hungry and sleep-deprived.  These students might walk in the door already hostile and/or disengaged, and this negativity can adversely affect the culture of the classroom.

While it is impossible to avoid completely some tension in the classroom, there are some “tried and true” techniques that can help:

• • 1. Try making a brief social connection with a student who seems to be struggling—a greeting when you walk in the door or addressing a student by name in or after class can be helpful.

    2. Try foregrounding expected behavior before a class discussion—make it clear before anyone says anything that while all will get a chance to speak, you expect respectful and engaged interactions.  Sometimes you have to be quite specific.

    3. When you assign something that is certain to be controversial, make sure you offer a context for the reading and why you value it enough to assign the work.

    4. Be open to diverse interpretations of your assignments so students feel they have a voice.

    5. Shut down students who are dominating the conversation by thanking them for jumping in but reminding them that is their last comment of this discussion—others need to be heard.

    6. Be prepared and warn students that if they are dismissive or aggressive in their remarks to you or the class, they will be asked to leave the class.

    7. Position yourself next to students who don’t seem engaged—a group having a side conversation or students on the phone might feel more inclined to participate if you teach next to them.

    8. If appropriate, email a disruptive student and ask to set up a time to talk.  Sometimes a student isn’t aware of the disruptions she is causing, and a conversation can help.

    9. If the student has an accommodation, contact Student Services to express your concerns.

    10. Avoid sharing your private contact information (cell phone, personal email, etc.).  While this may seem a nurturing gesture, it can be problematic.  

    11. Be thoughtful if assigning overly personal essay topics, or asking students to write about traumatic events.  While these writings/discussions can be powerful, they can also be intensely revealing.  Most of us are not trained as trauma counselors, and if we head into that territory, we need to be prepared with resources to offer students who may need counseling.

    12. Avoid ignoring a student who is acting out in the classroom or making disrespectful comments to anyone in the class (including you). Tell the student in front of the class the comment/behavior isn’t acceptable, and ask to speak to the student after class.  Ask the student to explain the behavior you flagged.  

    13. Avoid raising your voice or losing your cool.  State and restate the expectations, and describe the student’s classroom behavior and your expectations.

    14. Document everything (class disruptions, emails, phone calls, etc.) and make sure your chair and dean are aware if the situation escalates.

Nearly all writing classes read some controversial content, and most of us value thought-provoking readings and assignments that can be inspire great in-class conversations; we feel these worth a bit of discomfort in the classroom.  

Finally, don’t be afraid to be the authority in the room—it is our job, and students, especially vulnerable students, need us to maintain a respectful classroom culture. If the problem does not resolve itself here are some contact numbers:

• Campus police:  https://www.jccc.edu/student-resources/police-safety/police-department/index.html

•  JCCC Personal Counseling:  https://www.jccc.edu/student-resources/personal-counseling/index.html

• JCCC Food Pantry:  https://blogs.jccc.edu/mun/join-model-un/jccc-model-un-news/food-pantry-at-jccc/