If an individual is managing multiple responsibilities and experiencing frequent stress, brain structures and learning can be affected. If the stress is continual, it can create a situation where the amygdala is looking for threats, and that can result in an individual lashing out or being overly defensive (Imad, 2020). Communication with an individual whose amygdala is on high alert for threats can be challenging, as some students may mask their stress by being aggressive toward instructors or peers. Students do not do this to upset or insult anyone but rather because the interaction may be viewed as threatening. This is a natural defense mechanism. It can be challenging to consider that it is actually the student who is feeling threatened when it feels like we (or students in the class) are being attacked. Instead of engaging in a heated exchange with the student, Dr. Mays Imad, a professor at Connecticut College who specializes in the neurobiology of learning, encourages instructors to offer students “radical hospitality; a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space” to grow and learn (“Cultivating the Moral Imagination,” 2021, para. 8). One way for an instructor to do this is to lean on the values they have incorporated into their teaching philosophy. As we discussed in our March 2024 Community of Practice webinars, the International Center for Academic Integrity (ICAI) (2021) encourages instructors to embrace the following values to encourage a vibrant scholarly community: “honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, and courage.” These values can guide an instructor to engage in a respectful way that helps to reduce stress, model respect, offer trust, and honor the student’s commitment to improvement. Strategies for the Classroom Understanding the impact stress can have on behavior can help instructors avoid frustrating or regrettable interactions. Below are some suggestions that may help when navigating student behavioral challenges. 1. Establish a clear classroom policy of respect, compassion, and support. Let students know that your classroom is a space offering “radical hospitality” where all ideas are discussed with professional courtesy and kindness (“Cultivating the Moral Imagination,” 2021). 2. Encourage students to express themselves in productive ways if they find themselves having strong reactions to peers/content/feedback. Encourage students to step away from conflict to return and courteously discuss differences in opinions. 3. Consider creating spaces for students to develop peer relationships by looking for similar interests between students and connecting students with one another. 4. Recognize the importance of incorporating values like trust, honesty, and respect into your teaching philosophy and your classroom (ICAI, 2021). 5. Clearly communicate expectations for the course and be consistent. This can be done via email, announcements, discussion posts, and assignment feedback. 6. Try not to take challenging behavior personally. Instead, model the behavior and interactions you want students to emulate and “express warmth and kindness” to all students (Miller, 2023, para. 30). One never regrets showing kindness.
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