know-it-all students
At my school there is a student that all the instructors find to be 'difficult'. He thinks he knows everything and is constantly challenging his instructors, which often disrupts the class.
At first I found this student to be difficult myself, until I noticed that whenever I agreed that he was right about something he didn't interrupt again for about half an hour.
This gave me an idea, and from then on I tried to ask him questions periodically that he would be likely to get right, and this has kept him engaged in the class and no longer disrupting the flow of discussion.
A lot of time we (faculty) feel that the student is disruptive and disrespectful... I don't see it that way at all. Typically, we get unnerved because of the gotcha moment(s). Where the student knows more than I.
One must first determine the student's knowledge on the topic and encourage him/her in the classroom to speak up accordingly. Mentor/Tutor where he might be of assistance to other students and carry a dry subject at time. Certainly we must have thick skin and not rush to judgment of the student's ignorance and our brilliance.
I agree, make him/her a teaching asset and carry the discussion where he/she might and not worry about our ego and “his place†in the classroom.
I have found that when a student thinks he knows everything...he really only knows a little about a little....so I usually like to talk with the student and explain that although he may know some things about the class....that I can give him a differant perspective and also with my experience give him some tips that may help him out even more.
Gary,
I too have found this to be a helpful technique in helping these challenging students to be a positive contributor to the class environment.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I found that the difficult student is looking for help in an advance level reply if you give them a project at a level above your class it keeps them interested in the project and have them share the results with the class at the end of a class session
I love all your suggestions - I always have one student in every class
I agree , i feel it is important to keep the Know it all student active in participating in classroom activities. The student will have an impact on the class no matter what so make it a positive one.
As often as we think these know it all students are keeping our hairs on end, they are also doing the same to their peers. I try to engage this student by allowing him/her to lead discussions and definitely ask questions.
Hi Megan!
It's about helping those students feel valuable. In my experience, a student that needs to be the center of the class, needs that attention. So instructors find ways to give them that attention without jeopardizing other students' learning process.
Great job!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I agree giving them the opportunity to be correct will engage their learning. It can also help other students see their knowledge if there is tension in the class.
Good idea, Scott. Colin Powell said he did the same thing with an officer he had in Vietnam. Keeping busy he didn't get around to bothering anyone else.
I agree I have taken this approach and had much sucess with difficult students. They stop seeing the instructor as someone on the opposite side of the authority fence and someone who is actually trying to help them over the fence.
Hi Traci!
The one thing that I have learned along the way is to NOT be confrontational for a couple of reasons 1) so you don't loose control of the classroom, 2) ensure learning continues to take place by all students, and 3) to role model appropriate behaviors. In every walk of life, we will run into difficult people that we will have to learn to respect and to interact with. Notice I didn't say that we have to like the person or the behavior - but it is important that we direct postive rather than negative energy.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I am a realatively new instructor and I have dealt with a Know-it-all student in each of my classes. This approach sounds like an interesting one. Thanks for the insights and suggestions. I find these students can also be an asset to the class if they are dealt with properly.
I have a know it all student in my class right now and I allow her to help other students whenever necessary. This allows her to help pass her knowledge on to others without totally disrupting the class.
Good for you Jennifer! Sometimes it just takes that little extra attention for difiicult students along with positive reenforcement.
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
As instructors, we all have had difficult students. I think your idea is an excellent way of keeping a difficult student involved! I have found taking the time to chat during a break or office hours with a difficult student to be helpful as well. In my case, taking time out to talk with the student not only helped me to get to know and understand the student better, but also to send the message of mutual respect. As a result, the student that other instructors find "difficult" is not hard for me to manage in the classroom.
Hello Kevin,
I agree with your approach. I have also had success with the following. Identify the student (outside of the classroom) as a person who clearly has leadership skills. Coach the student on the importance of a single leadership skill that you as the instructor define. For example, It is clear to me you have more knowledge on the subject than most. It is now your responsibility as a leader to coach your fellow students to success.
I often have know-it-all students in my classroom as well. I find that I do take your appraoch by agreeing with the student. I also find that asking the students questions or having the student help me explain a difficult concept to the class helps keep the student peaceful in the class.
With students of this nature, I also pull them aside after class and offer then extra-credit if they are able to "stump" me. This gives them a little extra incentive to not only prove me wrong (as many know-it-all students want to do) but also to learn the material.
When I get similar students, I let them have their say, at first, I then expand on it, remind everyone about the scope of the course, then continue. I allow them some freedom to express themselves, then I bring them back in line letting them know there's more to it, then I disarm the situation noting that we've gone beyond the scope of the course. I don't usually get any problems with them after that class session.
Another thing I might do is casually ask them if they agree as I make certain points; this usually keeps them engaged as they don't want to slip up at that point.
