Defusing Classroom Conflict

Example A

Student: "All you do is lecture! Then you test us on things that you never talk about. I am not learning anything and I am failing the class because you do not know how to teach!"

Instructor: "You never come to class on time! You never do your homework. You sleep in class instead of listen. I am not suprised you are failing the course!"
--

Conflict in the classroom happens. Emotions flare. Accusations abound. Often, classroom conflict is indirect and under the surface. That is, students vent with advisors while instructors complain to other faculty. But it is conflict nonetheless, which negatively impacts the outcomes for both instructor and student.

As a student, if you have a concern about the action and behavior of an instructor, you have the right and the responsibility to voice your concerns. However, there is a constructive, positive way to manage conflict and an egotistical, negative way to manage conflict. I suggest you focus on the former.

Here are some constructive conflict resolution strategies that may help remedy your concerns with an instructor.

1. Always start by meeting with the instructor, face-to-face whenever possible. No one likes to be "told on" or undercut. Give the instructor a chance to dialogue. If you do not feel comfortable meeting one-on-one, ask a neutral academic advisor or staff member to mediate the conversation.

2. Avoid jumping to conclusions. It seems intensely human to see what we want to see in any particular situation. This goes by the names bias, stereotypes, prejudice, jumping to conclusions, et cetera. Check your perceptions at the door and listen to the instructor's perspective.

3. Acknowledge the instructor's point of view. You do not need to agree, but try to understand where s/he is coming from.

4. Use "I" statements, not "You" statements. Describe your perceptions, feelings, and actions rather than blaming or complaining about the instructor. If you have made a mistake, own it.

5. Focus on the desired outcomes. Lost in all the conflict might be the fact that both the student and instructor have the same desired outcome - student success! Focus on the actions both parties can take to help reach that desired outcome.


Example B

Student: "I have a hard time learning through lecture, so it is challenging for me when most of the class is lecture-based. Then I feel like you test us on things not in the lecture. I feel frustrated, and so I don't feel it is worth my time to do my homework, though I know this is not a good excuse. I am not learning as much as I would like and I am failing the course. I want to do better and I hope we can work together to come up with solutions."

Instructor: "I feel like you would learn more if you came to class on time, did your homework, and stayed awake in class, but I see that you are facing some challenges that discourage you from putting in the work. What can I do to help? I know not all students learn through lecture. Perhaps I can help students form a study group. Also, I am willing to meet with you during office hours. I want you to do well!"
--

Admittedly, conflict resolution is often messier than this, and it does not always work. But by taking proactive steps to defuse classroom conflict, you are taking personal responsibility for achieving your desired outcomes in college.