If you find yourself in a situation where a student is upset, it is important to acknowledge the emotions that are being felt and to try to de-escalate the situation. One way to do this is to use a de-escalation exercise.
The goal of a de-escalation exercise is to help calm and reassure the student, while still ensuring that the situation is resolved. There are a few key steps that you should take to perform a successful de-escalation:
- Listen to the student. It is important to take time to listen to what the student is saying and to let them talk without interruption. This allows them to express their feelings and understand that you are interested in understanding them.
- Let the student know that you are there to help. Make sure to reassure the student that you are there to help and that you will work to resolve the situation.
- Reduce the intensity of the situation. Once you have listened to the student and reassured them that you are there to help, it is important to reduce the intensity of the situation. This can be done by using phrases such as “Can you tell me more about what happened?” or “What would you like me to do?”
- Use a calming technique. You may want to use a calming technique such as deep breathing or relaxation exercises.
- Try to find a solution. If the situation is not resolving itself, you may want to explore possible solutions. This can involve talking to the student about their options or helping them find a solution.
By following these steps, you can help de-escalate a situation and ensure that it is resolved smoothly.