The "well when i did this" student
Because we turnover classes so frequently, we see a lot of students who think that they can teach the class because they have already done what we are teaching. I am not sure how to exactly handle those types of students. I tend to pull them aside to remind them that I am the instructor
I love it when the learners feel confident they know something more than I. I encourage that, and hope they know a lot; sadly, that isn't the case very often.
Sometimes a student comes into a class and has a strong grasp of a particular software program. In this case if he or she insists on trying to teach along side me I'll ask that person after class if they wouldn't mind sitting next to a slower student to help them keep up during lectures and lessons. The "well when I did this" student is usually flattered that the teacher actually asked for their help and focuses his or her attention on helping the slower students. I actually like having these students in my class.
Hi Lloyd,
There are times when this type student can really shine light on a particular concept. Students can really learn a lot from each other.
Patricia
Some things which has helped me has been establishing the possible learning curve of the group during the first few days. Those students that feel as if they have seen and done it all, we have they to assist in atempting to help others or pair them with someone one with moderate skills. During demo, if they have done the item before we will ask how and why they did it a certain way. I will try and focus their energy and attitude in a way that is to benefit the class experience for everyone.
Hi Jennifer,
I've experienced this one many times. I teach all levels of Business and Accounting courses, so when I encounter students who have worked in the field they are often more outspoken, attempt to undermine my authority and intelligence, and can be downright rude. I think that you are right on with pulling them aside so that they understand the course dynamic that must exist for the course to continue.
Bobbi Bricker
taking control is the best way and let them know from the being you are in charge
Chef,
I have seen you teach and admire your skills in the classroom. As you teach later in a technical culinary program, as do I, it is not unusual for students to start to believe they have learned it all already by the time they are seniors.
I make it a point on day one to describe my expectations from the students. I remind them that as the chef (team leader) I will be setting the course and guiding us to success. I let them know that while they may have been exposed to the material or skills previously that one of the measurements of their success will be whether they are willing to do as instructed. They are told that there is always more than one approach to a technical skill, however for the purpose of the class they need to perform it as described just as an employer would expect in the industry.
I always tell them it is like getting the 64 box of crayolas with the sharpener instead of the 8 crayon box. Each time they learn a new way to do something they are getting their monies worth. By stepping into a role of trying to teach so early in their education they have already demonstrated that they have decided they have learned "enough".
Should the student still persist in behaving as an instructor I have them shadow me all day as an observer. They need to write down every question asked of me (they usually are exhausted after the first hour). At the end of the day they must take the list home and come up with at least 5 different approaches for each situation. Then they must take the next day on the syllabus and write down 25 likely obstacles to success and for each at least 2 ways to overcome them.
I haven't had to "go to the mattress" very often with students in this manner but it makes it very clear to the student trying to be the instructor that there is a lot more to each of our choices as Chef Instructor than meets the eye. Those who have gone through the process have shifted to being more respectful and back into a mode of learning rather than posing.
Chef Maureen Lisi-MacReady
sounds like the right thing to do.....But maybe you can use THEIR energy to Help you in your teaching. A positive stroke and a pat on thge back don't cost much and go a long way :-)
