Students working in their field of study
How would you suggest dealing with students who are already working in their field of study and have the attitude that they know more than the instructor or that school is a waste of their time because they aren't learning anything new?
I was taken by James' post so I re-read it a again and I like it more the second time. I was pleased that Patricia validated James’ way of handling that situation. I will definitely use that in the future. Thanks James!
Hi Michelle,
I too have witnessed the same type of things from students who think they know it all. They will block you out, and they are the main ones that do not make high marks on assignments/tests. Once they become more humble and receptive, I notice a big difference in their grades for the better.
Patricia Scales
I have encountered a few students with this attitude. They manage to maintain this attitude during the first part of their program, during the foundational-type courses. Later on, when the classes get tougher and more specific to the more advanced career role that they are working toward, they start to change their minds about how much they already know. I often find that it is these students that struggle the most academically. They think they know how to do something but don't understand complete rationales behind their actions. I try to keep the focus on the advancement of critical thinking and I also remind them that they will have increase responsibilities (and liabilities) to go along with the new knowledge they will gain during the program.
I find that some of these students are more difficult to reach . "That's not the way we do it at work'" or "I have been doing this for the past 20 years" often makes it more difficult to inspire these students to listen and maintain an interest in new knowledge or perspective.
I tell my students all the time that they should never completely disreguard adviice, even if they dont feel the source to be totally credible. There is always something to be learned from someone.
Hi James,
I am sure the rest of the semester will go well. It is amazing what students really hang onto from their instructors. You gave this student great solid advice.
Patricia Scales
Well thank you for the advice. I appreciate it. And I agree with you. I always used to say, you learn something new every day. And you should strive to do that. New found knowledge can always be valuable. If not at that present time, sometime down the road. I think that this is not really a problem anymore. I must have taught that particular student something new and they lost that attitude totally. We'll see how the rest of the semester goes. Thanks again!
One of the most important lessons Ive ever learned is that you can learn something from everyone. Education is a gift that keeps giving. I'd take that student to the side and see where this attitude is coming from and see why they are seeing this class as a waste of time, because my feeling is that you can learn something from everyone even the homeless man on the street may have a life lesson to pass on. After a conversations I'd come up with an action plan for this student.
