How to handle students who "know it all"
some students don't like to be told how to do certain things. How can you word it so they know you are only in it for them to lesrn not to judge them.
Brenda,
Good way to help the students to contribute to the class through problem solving and analysis. You are right that this method reduces the challenges that "know it all" students represent.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
This is absolutely true. Since I teach culinary courses and there are so many variations for one recipe I also tell my students the very first day of class there might be different ways to execute a recipe but there is always a reason behind every step so they need to do reasearch and find out why their chef want it do in that particular way. Also, as I do the demonstrations in addition of explaining the reason for my procedures I give out examples of other ways to cook a particular dish or any other varioation you might find. Then I ask for them to share their knowledge as well if they are familiar with a similar recipe. This technique helps to avoid having the "know it all" students challenge me or question if my way is correct or not because they are encouraged to participate in the teaching. It might be a little risky at times but it's all a matter of being in control.
Jeff,
Good point and one we instructors need to remember. One of the benefits of being an instructor is that we get paid to learn. So we get to stay current in our field, share our knowledge with our students and help prepare the next generation of workers in our career area. This is a big responsibility to be a part of and yet one that gives many rewards.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
It may depend upon industry and the class that is being taught, but I've found that bringing up how none of us is beyond learning is a great way to handle this student. Industry veterans and legends still acknowledge that they do not know everything, and we can truly learn something from anyone. So to close your mind off to alternative methods being presented to you runs counter to the argument that your knowledge base is beyond the methods being presented.
Teaching in the medical field, you are continually running into student who are already in the medical field and "know it all". One way I handle this, is just have them explain one example or situation and I have them Present it to class, have them stand up or come up front. Sometimes this approach "tunes them down!!"
Karen,
I agree, since I have had such students many times over in my classes. It is always a challenge to keep these students engaged but not let them take over.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
In all the years of my teaching, I can recall having at least one student in every other class who wants to assume the function of assistant instructor (this is how I label these students). These can be the most difficult students to handle.
