De-Escalation Techniques: Bring Down the Temperature

Welcome to ‘De-Escalation Techniques: Bring Down the Temperature’, a comprehensive course designed to equip educators with essential skills to manage and de-escalate conflicts in the classroom.

This course is presented by Phil Denton, the Learn Director and a seasoned behaviour management specialist with over 20 years of experience in secondary education. Phil has held numerous leadership and teaching roles across a variety of educational settings, bringing a wealth of practical knowledge and expertise to this course.

In this course, you will learn top tips on how to spot early signs of conflict and effectively manage challenging situations. The single lesson is packed with actionable strategies and insights to help you create a calm and positive learning environment.

Let’s begin with 10 top tips for de-escalating conflict in the classroom:

1. Stay Calm and Composed: Your calmness can help defuse the situation. Take deep breaths and maintain a steady tone of voice.
2. Use Non-Threatening Body Language: Keep an open posture, avoid crossing your arms, and maintain a relaxed stance to appear non-confrontational.
3. Active Listening: Show that you are listening by nodding, maintaining eye contact, and repeating back what the student says to ensure they feel heard.
4. Empathise with the Student: Acknowledge their feelings and show understanding. Phrases like “I understand you’re upset” can help.
5. Offer Choices: Giving students options can help them feel more in control. For example, “Would you like to discuss this now or take a five-minute break?”
6. Set Clear Boundaries: Clearly state the behaviour that is expected and the consequences of not adhering to these expectations. Consistency is key.
7. Provide Space and Time: Sometimes, giving the student physical space and time to cool down can help de-escalate the situation.
8. Use Positive Reinforcement: Highlight positive behaviours and achievements to encourage a more positive interaction.
9. Avoid Power Struggles: Stay focused on resolving the issue rather than winning the argument. Keep the conversation constructive.
10. Reflect and Learn: After the incident, reflect on what happened and how it was handled. Discuss with colleagues and consider what could be improved for future situations.

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Now click onto the lesson to hear more detail from Phil. You can also view the PowerPoint for this lesson in the materials section of this course.