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ED 370/570 Winterim 2009 with Dr. Leslie
O. Wilson |
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© Leslie Wilson
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Resolving conflicts in the classroom -- 7 little hints 1. In order to prevent and manage conflict, I think it is important to understand the physiology of anger. In this case knowledge is power and, not to be trite, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The physiology of anger actually changes body chemistry. This whole cycle happens in seconds.
It takes the body 20-30 minutes to clear all of these physiological changes from the body and return to normal. The physical anger cycle can be interrupted by things like activating acupressure points, meditation and visualization, and deep breathing exercises, or with coping skills like "walking it off." Constant bouts of unrestrained anger can cause chronic or serious health problems, like:
2. Getting folks to laugh is an instant recovery -- remember acting the fool is very different from being one. I been able to deter really ugly poteially ugly events by just making the protagonists laugh. Hard to stay amgry when those good hormones aare loose in the bloodstream. 3. Become aware of body language and what it tells you about what people are thinking or their emotions. 4.You are the captain of that ship -- remember you set the tone in your classroom; you decide what behaviors will be tolerated and those to be squashed; and you are the primary role model in that space. In order to stop conflicts before they start here are a list of things that block or stop, and then try to initiate fruitful, productive, calm discussions of interpersonal issues and problems. However, productive activities are useless until the anger cycles and physical effects clear the body. Look for:
5. Stop talking and learn to listen and watch. 6. If you see something that may lead to conflict or an altercation, nip it in the bud -- What is causing it? Talk with the student(s) privately to get a feel for what might be going on. The ostrich approach doesn't work here. Remember the anger that you see may not be the real reason behind the behavior. Dig! 7. Offering students real choices often mitigates a sense of frustration, entrapment, and resentment. Nobody likes dictators! Over 2,500 years ago Plato wisely said, "It is okay to be angry, but for the right reason, with the right person, to the right degree." Students need to be taught how to direct and use their anger in the right way. @ |
