Think about our work with the brain and stress, the conflict cycle and counter aggression. Post a blog describing a difficult situation with a student that did not go according to plan. Then explain what you might do differently considering some new insights into human behavior. Reply to at least one other person's blog.
When I read this blog topic, I immediately thought of my first semester teaching. I had a student who had a very bad temper and was known for getting into fights. He was the oldest kid in the class and many other kids were scared of him. One day, while I was actively teaching my class, he would not get off his IPOD. I gave him two warnings and then took his IPOD and told him I would leave it on my desk until I was done. He was okay with this and gave up his device. Once I went back to teaching, I noticed he was playing with something in his lap. It was his cellphone. I try to teach my students respect for people who are speaking and to not use their devices at these times. They are instructed to wait until the person is done speaking. I told this student to give me his cell phone. He walked up and gave it to me, and I told him I would be giving his phone to an admin because he would not follow class rules. At this time, he got so mad that he got into my face and was screaming for his devices back. As he was in my face, I backed up and told him to calm down. At this time I saw a student slip out of my room and a few seconds later, there was an admin in the doorway calling for the student to leave with him.
This was one of the scariest situations I have ever been in and have thought about it often. As a new teacher, I did not have many tools in my tool bag and did whatever I thought was right at the time. Taking away his device, and saying he would get it back, but then punishing him did not help. He was open enough to give them to me, and by telling him his consequences in front of the class, embarrassed him. Both of these things escalated his behavior. If I was in this situation again, I would stop actively teaching and give the kids a break. During this break, I would quietly mention that I have noticed his heavy device use and ask him if the break time was long enough for him to do what he needed to do so we could get back to learning. I would them tell him that I do not want to have to take his devices, because I knew he was old enough to know the right times to use them. My thought behind doing it this way are to redirect his attention. Maybe he was having issues at home, which was common. If he was stressed out, he was not going to react in an appropriate manor.
You must have been doing something right in that class because one of your students was actually brave enough to go get an administrator for you. Your story reminds me of one that involved a teacher I worked with years ago. When Elm St. was a junior high and we had 9th graders, smoking was very common. One of the Social Studies teachers would have his kids put their cigarettes in a basket if they were going to the bathroom. This would prevent them from smoking. While this teacher was filling as an Asst. Principal for a few weeks, his replacement followed in his footsteps. The only difference was, when the kid took out the cigarettes, the teacher referred him to the office. This teacher quickly learned about the mistake he made (he is currently a principal in another school district). As I was reading your post, I was thinking, "Wow this kid is pretty respectful giving up his devices so quickly". I can understand why he became so agitated when you told him you were giving his phone to the principal. It is hard for all of us to react correctly, under pressure, and immediately. It is even harder for a new teacher who is trying to establish authority in the classroom. I'm curious how this student behaved with you for the rest of the year?
ReplyDeleteI'm sure having the student in your face was scary. I think there are many positives in your scenario. First the fact that the student was willing to give up 2 devices is really impressive. Secondly, that the fellow classmate went to get admin help is really admirable. He/she obviously had alot of respect for you and was concerned about the volatility of the other student. I really think your only "mistake" was in saying you were going to give the admin his phone. I think you handled the case well otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is ok to say you will need to give the phone to an administrator. My hope is that you will have a script to fall back on when you recognize the conflict and the potential for escalation in order to avoid the crisis.
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