Center stage student
I think it can be challenging dealing with type of student, but if you make a point of calling them out everything they make unnecessary comments, they may begin to recognize the comments & then minimize them on their own. If not, it's time for a one on one discussion.
"Silence is Golden".
I don't know if my 'problem' student is true Center Stage in character or not. The symptom appears to be that he knows everything (verbally), then nothing (on paper -- tests, quizzes). And it's very disruptive for the class.
I've found that "calling them out" as you suggest (eye contact, few or no words) works extremely well most of the time. Beyond that, I've always felt some level of conflict about confronting them in class, in front of the larger audience of students (although it is tempting). The rationale being: they're being disruptive and/or disrespectful in front of the same audience...but we're not supposed to single out students or make them feel uncomfortable.
Beyond that, I think "Baseball Rules" apply: 1, 2, 3 strikes...on the 3rd, we have a sit-down meeting w/ the Program Director to determine if we need to formulate a (written) Performance Plan.
I have had this situation before with a center stage student. After having a private conversation with her, she thought she was being helpful for other students, when in fact she was annoying them because of her outspoken behavior on subjects. I explained to her that presentation is everything when it comes to delivering a message & that it is appreciated that she was excited about class, but others need to be given the opportunity as well to be just as excited. The next day she held back on answering & was greatly suprised to find that other students had great comments (similar & not,)& this allowed for a full class discussion which included all students participation.
Hi Wendy,
Sometimes it is imperative to have a talk as such. It is all in how you say it to the student. Fantastic job!
Patricia Scales
taking my student aside, alone, and explaining to him that while I appreciate his eagerness (to answer every question presented to the class), other students would like an opportunity to answer as well. He then backed off and allowed other students to participate
Hi Marvis. I agree with you, handling center stag students can be challenging. I'm unclear as to what you mean by, "making a point of calling them out..their own." How would you "call them out"?
Personally I prefer to give the student eye contact and give them a genuine "closed-mouth" smile. If that's not enough I will tactfully, (I hope), place my hands subtley out in front of me in a "stop", or "hold on a second" gesture.
If that's not enough, it is time for a one on one meeting. At the meeting I like to tell the student how much I appreciate their enthusiasm and how his/her energy can be contagious. In addition I like to inform them regarding the quieter, more reserved students and ask the student for his/her help to create a space for these students to become more involved. Once you get the student to buy in to your plan, generally things improve.
