Ever been in a college class that there is someone who challenges the professor?

Question

So far, Especially in classes like Sociology, and psychology and even some Criminal Justice classes there has been at least one or more people who have a "story" about the topic that contradicts the general theory. It seems they sit and wait for the time to tell their story.... Experiences on this? Does it happen a lot?

Answer 1

Yes it happens. Often, I was the one challenging the professor. I know that some classmates found it annoying. But others came up to me when the course was over and thanked me for asking questions that they were afraid to ask.

Later, as a professor, I loved it when students challenged me.

There is a fine line. I have had a couple of students who ask annoying off-topic questions or refuse to let a topic drop. At some point, I will suggest that we move on and offer to discuss it further outside of class.

Answer 2

As a college teacher, yes it happens. A lot? Not really.

I teach in a male-dominated field and am sometimes the only female in the classroom. Some male students are threatened by that and I will occassionally get challenged on things because they think they know more.

At beginning of the semester I make a statement saying that I encourage all of my students to share their real life experience with the class. So, some industry experience they have may be different than the way we do things in the classroom. I tell them to remember that there are standards for the things we do and we adhere to those standards as much as possible, but sometimes there are other ways of doing things.

If a student is being challenging for the sake of being an a**, I have no problem setting the record straight. Also, if a student asks a question to which I don't know the answer, the correct answer is "I don't know, but I will find out."

Answer 3

Yes. There must be exceptions. Use it as a learning tool. Whenever one challenges the professor's theory, then there is debate. Debating is a great way to hear in depth other peoples opinions and thoughts on some topics. There are some good points, funny idea's, and rediculous opinions that go along with debate. So when you hear it, listen and allow it to soak in.

Answer 4

As a college prof. in psychology, I experience this, sometimes; however, I remind students not to generalize from a sample of 1 :-)

Often, a general finding refers to the average--so it is my job to explain what the average means. An example I give: on average, men are taller than women. Does that mean that there are not some women who are taller than some men? Of course not; but on average, men are taller than women. After they get the idea of the average, they understand that their experience, while valid, may not represent the average experience--and then we return to the topic at hand :-) If they seem to really need to talk, I will offer to talk after class.

Answer 5

Yeh, it sure happens a lot and makes the class more livelier

Answer 6

no, and let me tell u why....