Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         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? Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) 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.