Teaching a Class Full of "Know It Alls"? You'll Love This Idea!

Have you ever noticed that highly intelligent people oftentimes won't allow you to show them new information? Instead, they seem to want to show off what they know. To prevent this from happening, try this exercise.
by Beth Sunny & Vera Michaels
Have you ever noticed that highly intelligent people oftentimes won't allow you to show them new information? Instead, they seem to want to show off what they know. To prevent this from happening, try this exercise. When everyone participates they learn that there is always something new to be learned. You will need a compass for this exercise.
Get everyone to stand in front of the desks. Have them stand on one foot, then balance on the other, then hold one arm straight (with foot lifted), and then hold the other straight. Next, ask them to stand with both feet flat, close their eyes tight (no peeking!), and hold their left arms out straight toward north. Give a minute to allow everyone to find what they think is north. Once each student has made a decision, go around to every student and show him or her what the compass says. You'll find many students are wrong in their assumption of where north really is. Explain that this exercise shows that we can always use tools to make better, more informed decisions. It also shows that from time to time it is good to check our assumptions.
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Beth Sunny and Vera Michaels share their extensive knowledge in IT and training as freelance writers for SharperTraining.com. Don't miss their training tips along with insights from other experienced trainers in SharperTraining.com's "Focus On Training" newsletter. To subscribe, visit http://lb.bcentral.com/ex/manage/subscriberprefs.aspx?customerid=1468
About the Author
Beth Sunny is a writer, publisher, and computer trainer. She owns Software Training Resources (STR), a courseware company known for their "QuickSteps to Learning" training manuals. STR launched an exciting web site in January of 2001. The web site is specifically for the Computer Training Industry - http://www.sharpertraining.com. The site offers a place for individuals in the Computer Training Industry a place to advertise their business, correspond with others in the industry, find training products, and discover software tips and read great articles relating to computer training. Visit the site today! http://www.sharpertraining.com