questionable students
As a new instructor, I have only been teaching for a year... I have had experiences with students that make comments and ask endless questions to try to make you look like you dont know anything. How would you deal this? I answer the questions to the best of my knowledge but its clear with the comments they are not pleased.
I will sometimes ask other students what their opinion on the questionis. This engages everyone in the class and can give you an idea on what the general consensus is. If we can't find an agreement, I will ask students to "sleep on it" and prepare to discuss the question in depth tomorrow. I have even gone so far as to make releveant questions a question on the test or a quiz, which shows the student that I value their input. This often settles everyone because they know I see the value of their opinions, too! They will often reflect back the respect you show them!
Joanne,
I think is a solid strategy to try & address these challenging students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
If you have answered the questions to the best of your ability and the student is not satisfied, I would suggest that the student research the topic on his or her own and then your answers may make more sense. You could arrange an after class meeting to review the questions again after the student has done his or her share of the work.
pattara,
if you get the sense that they are simply trying to make you look bad, I would pull them aside after class & speak with them about this.
Dr. Ryan Meers
