Know It All Types
Another technique tfor a 'know it all' is to ask them to tell the other students where he/she learned about the topic. It could be a forum, another class, or themselves.
I appreciate the "Know it all" student. they often help to open up a class and put other students at ease, because they want to show off. I will take that student aside and inform them, that all the other students are here to learn as well, and I need the know it all to help me get the rest of the class involved. Their ego is intact and the rest of the class breathes a little easier.
Joseph,
this is a good idea as you pointed out because they can share their knowledge (which usually they are keen to do) & it encourages others to participate.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Another approach is to encourage the 'know it all' to not alaways be the one to repsond to every answer. I have had side conversations with some of them and have asked hem to try and encourage others to become involved. One way was to have them share their answer/response with another classmate so they can share the answer. This is essentilly killing two birds with one stone.
Nathan,
I don't know of any tried & true methods, but sometimes I've found ignoring them or even pulling them aside & speaking with them about how they are being perceived can help curb the behavior.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Calling on the "know it all" may satisfy their desire for attention in the moment but how do you curb the ongoing problem? Are there any best practices that preemptively relax these behaviors? I've assigned extra duties to my "know it all" students but I fear that this may look like favoritism.
I agree, I find in some of my evening classes there can be some "dominant" students who take over discussion and I try to pull others in by asking others for their opinions/reactions to the topic. For example, I might say: I'd like to hear how _______ feels about this or Anyone else agree or disagree with that answer/statement?
Billy,
this is a good strategy as it helps them learn to listen to others' opinions & ideas.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I tend to try and have discussions involving everyone, so the know it all types can get their two cents in, as well as being able to get everyone involved in discussing the subject from all angles.
James,
this is a good point. I will sometimes ask other students to respond to the student's statement so we can really get the discussion flowing.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think we all have had the "know-it-all" student in a class. The student that has a "need" to answer every question with such an authoritative demeanor that it intimidates others from responding. I am careful not to discourge these students from participating, but I do make a real effort to lead them to respond in such a way as to encourage others' participation. I sometimes find that if these students feel thay are leading the response, it tempers their "need" to control the response.
