Dealing with students that know it all
How do you deal with the students that think they know it all and try to take over your class without being rude or embarassing them when they are only trying to help but are really causing a problem.
Put them in charge of a small group who's outcome benefits the entire group as a whole. Nothing better than having your peers establish some common ground. Secondly, to deal with "this is the way we do things" remove him from his position of authority and promoted someone new who undertsands there's a new process....
Excellent point! I never want to discourage students from speaking up in class. Having an open environment leaves room for students to learn from each other as well as the instructor.
Hi Heather,
I am sure they know a lot, but I am sure also that you know just as much or more than they do. Make things challening for them, and use them as resources in the classroom. Know-it -alls like the lime light, let them share their knowledge.
Patricia
I have found this problem to be much more common in the Physical Therapy field as the "Doctorate of Physical Therapy" degree is now the standard. They do know quite a bit about researching online and finding evidence-based practice. I encourage them to do that research, and then I combine it with my knowledge from experience. It works well with the students who are actually interested in learning the material.
Also, it is a good idea to compliment them and thank them for their input. If the rest of the class sees you "dissing" students who talk in class, they will be less likely to contribute.
To avoid this you must know more than the student on the subject you are teaching. If there is a perception that you do not know the material well enough you will be challenged
I tend to ask them to provide validation of what they know
