Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Jerry,
Have had such students. They are a challenge to work with and I always look forward to when the course is over and they can take their vast knowledge and wisdom on to other places.
Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

GERALD SEARS

Currently I am dealing with two students of this nature. Ever since one student has gotten a job in industry he is studying now finds the classroom boring and finds him self an expert. I advised him that it takes years of skill sets to become an "expert". The other student will use his smart phone to find more definition of a topic being discussed in class making him feel he is very knowledgeable. The class finds this annoying at times.

Thanks,
Jerry

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Veronica,
You really can't in one sense because students can start conversations while working as groups that can become personal in nature. The best thing is to remind them each time you send them into groups that they are there to talk only about their projects or the topic that has been assigned. Then roam around the class or lab and spend a few seconds listening in on their conversation. So they see you as contributing something you might add a comment or two about what they are discussing and then move on so they don't become dependent on listening to you and not contribute themselves. Also, I am guessing there were some other dynamics going on with the situation you described. I wouldn't worry about this too much and focus on using the strategies I list above and you will be fine.
Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Veronica Morales

I had a student who not only knew it all but also tried to dominate the entire class with his topics of conversation. The class did not appreciate this and finally one night while 2 classmates we talking discreetly about a personal topic, he chimed in, with his option. The classmates asked him to stay out of their conversation. He took it personal and stormed out of the classroom. I did not know what was going on since the students were all working on individual projects and conversing about the class work. Since I was helping out another student, I had not idea what was going until after the situation. How can you control college level personal conversations, while they are working on individual projects?

Melanie Garcia

Good advice. This was one of the most challenging parts of my first class!

Rob Solomon

Gary,

This is right on the money. From my experience, the private approach up front generally works best so that the student doesn't feel singled out, particularly if they are exhibiting behavior that was acceptable in another classroom.

When I've had someone who was extremely advanced and was clearly ahead of the material, I've encouraged them to consult with me privately after class so I can answer their very specific questions that may go over the heads of novice students. That works most of the time.

Thanks,
Rob

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Laura,
First I would talk privately with such a student and try to determine how you can gain that individuals cooperation. If that does not work I would remind the student in front of the class that their behavior is unacceptable and that they should be quite and give other students the opportunity to contribute to the class. If that does not work I would remove the student from the class because no one had the right to disrupt the learning of others. Make sure to document all the interactions and conversations you have with such a student in case there are questions raised later. Keep you administration informed and secure their backing for your handling of this behavioral issue.
Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.