 Re: Dealing with difficult student
One method which can be very helpful for upper level students is to as said below have the student jot down the questions; but instead of answering them for her give her the correct reference materials and allow her to answer them herself.
The reason I would suggest this is because firstly if she does have a genuine interest in these details, which are not essential to what you are teaching, it is partly her responsibility to be able to research them herself, and in giving her the correct book or other materials you are meeting her demands half way.
Also if she is interested in discrediting you; or flustering you in class you can simply ask her what the answer is and it will become her responsibility to have those answers, removing some of the burden from you.
When a student tries to treat you like an encyclopedia, it generally means it's time to introduce them to one! |