Handing students who thinks they are too good for subject material and other students
What is the best way to handle students who think that they know the subject material and is beyond the course? Some students do actually possess that knowledge and indeed is brillant, but the attitude they act towards other students that they are superior and even they like to show up the instructors creates some problems. Best way to handle these type of situation would be?
In my current role, this isn’t out of the question. I have students come in much more knowledgeable about a particular subject, but is arrogant toward the instructor. This can only be tolerated through interaction and using him/her as your example. They must be included and they must be heard. They mustn’t debate. They can be used to lead a segment on the topic or to provide higher insight.
I always make them the third party. When another student says something and creates a thesis you can ask the individual for antithesis or the individual could be your synthesis to two parties discussing a topic. The must be allowed to assist you to teach and thus removing the inclination to challenge them openly and you possibly being wrong.
Hi James,
It works. Whenever they feel satisfied, then tend to be a lot less challenging. I like to keep them busy helping and make them feel important.
Patricia
Get them on your side. Try to challenge them to help out the other students. Most of the time they just need a different approach to the same old material. Satisfy them.
Hi Frank,
Super idea! You give them a chance to utilize their knowledge by helping, and if they reject you remind them that others need to gain knowledge, therefore they must respect that and not dominate the discussion.
Patricia
One way that may help is when I have this type of student, I talk to them about their advanced knowledge and I ask them if they would like to pass their knowledge on to others, if they say yes, i pair them with a slower student to help them along the way. If they say no, I remind them that the other students are here to become as knowledgeable a s them and to please respect that.
Not only is it a problem when the student feels that they know the topic -- and therefore do not feel that they have to pay attention -- but in addition to this there is a tag along problem of that student becomes bored and disinterested. To me this is even a bigger problem when having to go over a basic level of knowledge that each student in class is at a diffent level of understanding on the topic. It becomes a real challenge to keep the enthusiasum and interest up.
My suggestion is to speak to the student after class, and explain to him that you know he has advanced knowledge about the course and you appreciate having someone like him in the class. Remind him that you are instructing the course because you are an expert in the subject, and you believe the student can still learn from you and the course. Ask the student to remember that the other students are not as advanced as he is, and they need to learn the material. Ask him to hold any comments he has about the course material until after the class so you can discuss them together. Remind him that during the class he must respect your authority as the instructor. I have witnessed an instructor do this, and the student accepted the direction and actually felt a little embarrassed about coming across as a know-it-all. It was the instructor's gentle but firm manner that made the medicine go down so well.
