DSPS Connection

May 1998

Dealing with Aggressive Students

by Sharon Barrett,
Interim Learning Disabilities Specialist

Deescalation and Safety Techniques for Instructors

Unfortunately, colleges are experiencing an increase in violence and aggression. What most of us used to perceive as a problem in other communities is now at our front door. From verbal abuse to physical assault, staff members increasingly are having to deal with angry and out-of-control students.

Anger is a strong emotion, one that can consume and cause loss of rational thought. Many a person has hurt another in anger only to be very regretful later when clearer thoughts returned. An angry student is only a moment away from potential physical aggression.

How should we deal with a student who is aggressive? What can we do to prevent aggression? Are there warning signals? How can we increase our own personal safety? Examining effective techniques to deal with angry students and then using those techniques is the thrust of this article.

Awareness is the First Key

First of all, we need to attune ourselves to signals of potential crisis behavior. By being aware of such signals, we can help deescalate the behaviors and protect ourselves and others.

Typically, there is a change in behavior before physical aggression occurs. Verbal clues (what is said), paraverbal clues (how something is expressed), and kinesics (body language) indicate when one is beginning to lose control. An angry student may become verbally abusive, including cursing and/or threats. Voice volume and rate typically increase. Body language shows signs of anger, including body tenseness, pointing fingers, and/or leaning forward as if in an attack mode – including "getting in your face."

When dealing with an angry student, it is of utmost importance to be aware of your own verbal and non-verbal behaviors. The way you respond to a person who is beginning to lose control can unintentionally increase the likelihood of physical aggression or it can help decrease the likelihood of aggression.

How to Respond Verbally

Remain calm and in control - When someone is directing verbal defiance toward you, the natural but incorrect tendency is to respond likewise. If another person yells at you, the automatic reaction is to raise your voice, too. Unfortunately, this tends to cause the other person to become even more angry. A calm reply and cool head are essential.

Listen to the other person and respond empathetically - Don’t interrupt. Listen to what is being said and validate feelings. Most (but not all) persons will calm down once they get what is bugging them off their chest. Interrupting and/or denying their feelings tends to accentuate the anger. When the person pauses, calmly say something like, "I understand you are upset." Remain nonjudgmental at this point until more information can be obtained and the problem is addressed.

Be aware of your paraverbals - The three paraverbal components are tone, volume, and rate. Remember, an upset person is beginning to lose rational thought, which means he/she is not focusing well on your actual words. Use a tone of voice which is calming. Avoid tones which suggest impatience, disgust, or sarcasm. Volume should be moderate - not too loud or too soft. Speak clearly and slowly. Too rapid or too halting speech conveys agitation and loss of control. By speaking calmly and clearly, you are more likely to deescalate the student’s anger and are more likely to be heard.

Use the student’s name - People respond to their name. If you know the student’s name, speak it.

Set limits - Give choices and consequences. This technique gives information to the other person for making a conscious choice. For example, to a verbally abusive student, "If you refrain from cursing, we can discuss your concerns. If not, this conversation is ended." To a student who refuses to follow your directive, "If you return to your seat, we can continue this discussion. If you do not, then you must leave the classroom." Choices need to be clear, concise, and enforceable.

How to Respond Nonverbally

Nonverbals are probably the most important aspect of dealing with a potentially aggressive person. Studies show, when in a rational state of mind, body language conveys about 55 percent of our message, paraverbal communication about 35 percent, and verbal communication about 10 percent. When dealing with an agitated person, even more is conveyed nonverbally and less verbally.

Respect personal space - Personal space is the area around a person in which he/she feels safe. For most persons and situations, it is about 2 to 3 feet. Entering an upset person’s personal space intensifies emotions. As a general rule, keep at least one leg length away (about 36 inches) to prevent escalation and to increase your own safety.

Maintain an open stance - Slightly turn your body at an angle to the other person. Keep your hands open and in plain view. This stance is less threatening. Do not cross your arms or point your finger.

Eye contact and facial expression should be appropriate to the situation - Your face and eyes convey a direct message to the other person. Maintain general eye contact, but do not stare through the other person. Know cultural habits. Some ethnic groups consider it inappropriate to directly look at another when upset or being disciplined. Your facial expression should be serious but not angry or fearful. You want to convey concern and control.

If Attacked

Use the least force necessary to protect yourself and keep the student from being hurt. Call Public Safety at extension 4456 for assistance. Increase personal space immediately. Dodge or deflect blows if possible. If grabbed, release by twisting away abruptly. With the help of other adults, safely restrain a student who does not stop physically acting out. By using the minimum force necessary rather than excessive force, you increase safety for all, and you reduce the potential for litigation. The response need depends on the specific situation.

In Closing

Note and rehearse the safety techniques described here. Hopefully, you will never need them. However, if faced with a possibly aggressive situation, it will be important to respond confidently and appropriately. Your well-being and that of your students are vital to the success of education.

Adapted from an article by R. Ladson Berry, Teaching for Excellence, volume XIII, number 9.