Working with students that feel they know it all
Students that believe they know it all are mostly people that can’t communicate the issue or topic but have completed an assignment or does these procedures at work. I sometimes feel very sorry for them because they come across big mouths and no one wants anything to do with them sometimes. When I am faced with one of these students I try to let them see themselves as another student would (sometimes that works and sometimes not). I ask they to explain the procedures to complete the project and they will give it two minutes and then quit or get confused. After class I will talk to them regarding their attitude and make suggestions, if possible.
I encounter this with students who already have a career school background. They feel that they are above all of the other students. Often the best way to address these students is via a one-on-one discussion to inform them of how they make their fellow students feel. A great way is to ask them if there has ever been a time when someone has made them feel inferior.
You handled the sitiuation exactly the way I do.I will often ask the know it all student to explain the concept etc for the class so they may get a better idea of what we are learning. It has a double meaning to me as an instructor. I can judge really how much they know and understand the material and I also get to help them develope their communication and social interaction skills. After class I will have an one on one talk with the student and try to guide them or at least try and get them to see themselves as their peers do. It doesn't always work.
Hi Connie,
This is exactly how I would handle this type of student. They have to be spoken to about giving everyone a fair chance at understanding the material, and they need to be cooperative enough to hear the explanation of the instructor.
Patricia
