I have several students this semester who are totally clueless (and have been since Day 1 -- I posted about this issue earlier). Having taught for the past 15 years, I have had my share of such students but honestly don't remember any of them being this bad... really...
It seems like every time I am explaining something, these same students ask stupid questions (yeah, yeah -- there are no stupid questions; but there are!). For example, I would describe and demo how to, say, create a chart. Students would ask questions. Everybody "gets it." A few minutes later, one of my "problem" students' hand shots up. "How do I create a chart?" There is a collective groan of frustration but this individual is usually unfazed.
In case you're wondering, I do utilize various instructional methods, catering to various learning styles. I do remove potential distractions (e.g., students are not allowed to access personal websites or text, I move around the room, I frequently stand behind them so I can see computer monitors, I do ask questions to keep students on task, I don't lecture for long periods of time, I ask students to follow my demos so they are actively engaged). Yet, apparently, I can't stop certain individuals from daydreaming (or whatever they are doing). And it's not a one-time deal, either...
Oh, and these students usually request (and often demand!) extra credit, even though they snoozed through regular course assignments. Profgrrrrl had a great post about this type of students a few days ago. She describes my "problem" students perfectly.
Just received an email from one of these students, asking a question we discussed ad nauseam for the past several weeks. What do I tell this student??? "Where have you been???" Can't -- will definitely show up on my course evals and, more importantly, this question won't accomplish anything.
I worry about these students... How will they function in the workplace? What can I do to snap them out of this apathy (or whatever it is)?
It seems like every time I am explaining something, these same students ask stupid questions (yeah, yeah -- there are no stupid questions; but there are!). For example, I would describe and demo how to, say, create a chart. Students would ask questions. Everybody "gets it." A few minutes later, one of my "problem" students' hand shots up. "How do I create a chart?" There is a collective groan of frustration but this individual is usually unfazed.
In case you're wondering, I do utilize various instructional methods, catering to various learning styles. I do remove potential distractions (e.g., students are not allowed to access personal websites or text, I move around the room, I frequently stand behind them so I can see computer monitors, I do ask questions to keep students on task, I don't lecture for long periods of time, I ask students to follow my demos so they are actively engaged). Yet, apparently, I can't stop certain individuals from daydreaming (or whatever they are doing). And it's not a one-time deal, either...
Oh, and these students usually request (and often demand!) extra credit, even though they snoozed through regular course assignments. Profgrrrrl had a great post about this type of students a few days ago. She describes my "problem" students perfectly.
Just received an email from one of these students, asking a question we discussed ad nauseam for the past several weeks. What do I tell this student??? "Where have you been???" Can't -- will definitely show up on my course evals and, more importantly, this question won't accomplish anything.
I worry about these students... How will they function in the workplace? What can I do to snap them out of this apathy (or whatever it is)?
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