Center Stage Students
Often, I have seen students that like to toot their own horn, and while they may have a great understanding of the material, others in the class may not have the same level of comprehension. I like that the course wants to make the student the observer, and I think it is important for that student to see other students in the role that the instructor sees them, and that may help the center stage student develop the skills to be a helpful member of the class, and a more valuable member of any office setting.
That is very true! When I give my "center stage" students more responsibility (such as being my assistant for the day/sous chef, or doing my basic prep work) they seem to tone down their center stage attitude during class. Another reason I find this to be a good tactic is because then the students who are not as knowledgeable later ask what they can do to be awarded some special responsibilities.
Hi Terri,
Would take some managing, but it does give everyone the opportunity to participate. Would be a nice change as well.
Patricia Scales
With a couple of Center Stage Students, I have been thinking of a method to get other students involved in the discussion. Would it work to have the student who commented last name the next student to answer or contribute? I would specify that each student must contribute before we start through toh rotation again. ( 20 students) What do you think? Would it be too hard to manage?
Hi Jason,
You have people like her in the workplace as well. You did a fine job handling her, and she knows she is weak in this area. You have to deal with students like her quickly and swiftly and try as much as possible to help overcome the weakness.
Patricia Scales
I had a student who was on her game intellectually, but very immature socially. She was a great person to speak with outside of class because of her energy, but that energy spilled into lecture and it sometimes came off as demeaning because she would cut people off when they were responding if she disagreed. I had a discussion with her outside of class commending her on her dedication and preparation, but that I needed her to try and withhold her responses until her classmates completed their comments. She was actually quite open to the suggestion and admitted that she recognizes the problem, but she usually continues to interrupt until someone calls her on it. I suggested that she should try and be mindful of her habit at all times during class.
I sometimes put the stop sign up when there is too much interaction from one student and let them know that the others need an opportunity to respond.
Hi Anthony,
Great tactic to utilize. This probably humbles the student over the course of time as well.
Patricia Scales
I usually make that student the observer, he/she is not allowed to talk or answer any question etc. This allows the student to calm down and realize that other students also need to participate in the class
