Case
Know it all Nancy

You plan to facilitate a discussion in your class about readings that you assigned. As students enter the room and settle into their seats, you can feel the buzz in the air. They are excited. They want to discuss the subject. You begin class by asking a very open-ended question, a question designed to allow the students to take the subject in an area that interests them. The first student who responds to your question, a question that is barely out of your mouth, is Nancy, or as her classmates call her, "Know-it-all-Nancy." Nancy is a smart young woman who often has very smart things to say about the subject at hand. She answers your question with great precision, citing arguments from sources you did not require her to read. You know from experience that if you stand by quietly and let her finish, class would be over and no one else would have had a chance to speak. So, you cut her off politely to get other students involved in the discussion. You ask another question,directed at another student. Nancy answers. What should you do next?

Posted on: 10/04/15 | Views: 1409
Solution #1
Instead of letting them speak after a question is presented or raise their hands you could try a different technique to call on students so that everyone gets a fare chance to answer. I would use a device to randomize who you select. Such as popsicle sticks or a bingo ball choser.

This is exactly what I would do!

Great suggestion

I like that idea and everyone gets a turn.

This would be the best approach to start with.

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Solution #2
I would have a talk with Nancy going over the classroom rules and procedures and that shouting out or answering out of turn is unacceptable. I would also have a brief overview of the consequences of her actions to remind her of what is going to happen if the misbehavior continues. However, this is mostly for her calling out answers out of turn but for other times I would make it a point to praise her privately after class or through letters that you appreciate her work ethic and amount of energy she puts into her studies. You must give praise to positive student behavior to keep balance within the classroom and not seem like a bully of a teacher but praise the actions not the students. You may need to have a few conversations with Nancy and set up some form of action to keep the classroom running smoothly and her still happy and comfortable at the same time. Be sure not to simply shut her out or ignore her. Good luck with your "Know-it-all-Nancy".

Talking to her in private is best. Making sure that she is not taken for granted is also important, we want her to keep participating but she needs to let others talk, too.

Good solution.

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Solution #3
I will explain to Nancy that while I appreciate how prepared she is for the classroom, other students need to have the chance to speak of their own opinions and answers.

I think this is a good option for Nancy. We don't want to make her feel bad for being so excited to share.

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Solution #4
I would speak with Nancy about respect and how it is rude to interrupt before someone is done speaking. I would also create a students-led lesson that would allow Nancy to "be the teacher" for the day. This may help Nancy to realize that it very rude to interrupt and that maybe she just doesn't know it all.
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Solution #5
There's always the one. I would spend some time talking with Nancy. She clearly needs attention, are there other ways that can be given without taking from the students?
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Solution #6
It is important to get everyone's answer during your lesson. Maybe talk to your know it all student and ask her to refrain from commenting frequently.
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Solution #7
We call this the hog and the one who never answers the log. It is important to use techniques such as name sticks for these type of ask and answers when you have a hog in the room.
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Solution #8
Maybe you could try a popcorn answering activity. For example, if Nancy answers a question, Nancy has to call on a classmate to answer the next. This way, students are given more responsibility for answering questions and are choosing who will answer what in a way that rids of the volunteer-answer or calling-out aspect.
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Solution #9
I would discuss with the student privately that although you appreciate their participation, other students deserve the chance to contribute. If the problem continues, I would remind the student that they need to raise their hand to be called on when answering questions. I would also try to incorporate nonverbal participation such as a thumbs up/down, and questions that require yes/no answers. I would also refrain from asking too many general questions, and being firm on asking students to raise their hand and wait to be called on when answering questions. Incorporating turn and talks and group discussions could also support the student in expressing their thoughts in an appropriate manor, and then bring the class back together.
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Solution #10
I would approach Nancy after the lesson and explain to her that other students need a turn to speak and that she can't be the one to answer all the time. I will set up a plan like rewards for going a whole day without calling out or asking that she writes down all of her answers and she can leave them for me to read at the end of the day.

This is a great solution.

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Solution #11
I would tell the students that for this exercise there is a limit to how long they are allowed to speak so everyone in the class gets a chance to share their ideas.
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