One of my smartest students in my Intro to Computer class is bored. He closes his eyes and doodles. I took him aside in private and pointed out that when I was a student in a computer science class in college, I too was the smartest student and was bored. I did the same thing to my professor. Now that I am the instructor, I gave him my perspective and pointed out that his behavior was rude. I also pointed out that someday he could be a teacher and how would he like a student behaving the way he did. He thanked me for my perspective and did not realize how he was coming across.
Hi Joseph,
Thank you for sharing this example of how to work with a challenging student in a private and supportive way. You were able to connect with the student, he change is behavior and the class continue progressing. This is what good teaching is all about.
Gary
