The challenger
I sometimes encounter a type of student who thinks they are an "expert" on the course material and likes to challenge my course material or test my subject knowledge. In some cases, I have "assigned" that individual to research and return to me additional information to support their argument. Sometimes they proudly come back with something new and valueable. Sometimes they have no comeback.
One of the ways I help prevent the emergence of such students is that I - in self-decprecating ways - poke fun at how I believed that I knew all that was necessary for mastery of my subject when I first graduated college. I go on to tell how, at each critical juncture in my development, I became keenly aware of the limitations of my knowledge. I usually close my funny stories with, "You don't know what you don't know, until you know."
i have to agree, when i have a student like this i tend to ask a little more from them, to the student the feel a bit more needed when i ask them to cover special projects not given to some of the others. works like a charm.
Agreed. If you can get them to change the lens with which they look at your course material they can often become your biggest advocate. I've found my challengers are very intellectual and analytical.
That's a great method to use! I know a lot of students act like the "expert", to seek the approval of the instructor.
Dear Brian,
I have also tried your ideas; usually with great results! The 'challengers" in most cases seek affirmation with life in general so "feeding" them is very important and as you say can yield big results for all concerned.
Excellent idea. Most of the time these students need a little TLC and attention.
Hi Brian,
What a great way to handle such student. I let these students know that they need to focus on what is to be learned instead of acting like they are the experts. I let them know I do not care how much you know, you can always learn something new.
Patricia
