ABSTRACT
Anger, frustration and a general feeling of self-pity can all contribute to an out-of-character response that may follow. This response is usually a 'build-up' and it is at this point that teachers should use a range of strategies to calm down, distract the students or move on and tactically ignore the problems. The danger is that it may catch the teacher unaware and result in a confrontation that is damaging in both the short and the long term to both teacher and student alike. When a teacher, or indeed any person, is feeling stressed or challenged, it is difficult to think and act in a controlled and logical manner. Something as simple as a passing comment, an expression or a direct challenge can tip the balance and allow the volcano to erupt. It is clearly not the appropriate time to take up a long and often confrontational conversation with a student, and yet many teachers do this at some time.
