In today’s modern and often challenging world, pressures and a huge amount of workload can be tiring that sometimes causes teachers to be irritated easily. Not everyone at the classroom can be understandable all of the time – and that’s all right, because every student in the classroom has different personalities and views in life.
Conflict is a very natural part of everyday teachings and in our personal lives. It can be helpful in knowing our shortcomings and making changes within the work environment. However unresolved conflicts can cause tension within the workplace or gives us the feeling of unevenness. An administrative assistant can be a great collaborator. Learning some tricks to manage the clash of personalities and ideas at the classroom and know how to manage your teaching ability easier.
The first thing to do during work conflicts is to listen. Always take into consideration every student’s point of view before making judgments on who has the best idea or who’s right or wrong. This is not an easy solution because you have to weigh between the affected parties and for the sake of other students. You cannot come up with the right decision without understanding the problem first.
Define the problem once everyone’s emotions are out of the equation. You may be surprised to find out that, often times, there is no problem at all and it is just a miscommunication.
Proper communication is the key in resolving conflicts. Every student has the right to air out his or her opinion and deserves to talk about their feelings openly and honestly, but it must be done with equal respect for each student’s opinion. There is nothing wrong in expressing one’s feeling, but it must be done calmly and in the right manner. Sometimes you may find student’s conflict did not come from a classroom issue, but rather from his/ her personal problems that, that student was unable to leave out from classroom and that affected others in the classroom too.
Also, we should acknowledge other student’s strengths and always maintain a positive attitude. Encouraging students in building up their self-esteem and making them know that all ideas and decisions are valid.
Classroom conflicts can also be a way to show our leadership skills. Make a stand and take charge, be a part of the solution and be a problem solver. It may catch the attention not only of your students, co-teachers, but your supervisor too. Leading the way doesn’t mean you have the right answer or decision, it just easing the tension on your classroom. Try using your assertion to bring out the best in your co-teachers. Your leadership skills tell your value to the company in very real way.
Lastly, take a break after serving as a referee for a disagreement. A 5-10-minute break, go for a short walk inside the classroom or talk to a student who’s not involved in the situation. It’s very important not to let your emotions burden you after you helped solve the argument.
We must be ready in every situation that happens in inside the classroom and being a mediator in a classroom conflict is one of them. It’s very hard to work knowing there is tension between you and your students or between your students. Keep these tips in mind next time you hear student moan about the division of labor or just even in the way the paper should be placed in the copy room.
By: Glenda Donato Llabor | T-I | Saint Peter of Verona Academy Hermosa, Bataan
