Arrogance.?

Question

I'm very good at a certain subject in my school, and I'm in the top streamed class for it. When a teacher asks a question I know the answer a lot of the time, so I usually just stick my hand up and answer it. This never bothered me before [I didn't see why it should], but recently people have been coming off with quips like 'you're such a swot and you think you know everything', or 'Just because you're good at -blank- doesn't mean you're some genius.' I don't think I am, and I don't think I know everything. I've been told it could be Jealousy, but it seems arrogant to believe that. Do I come off like that anyway just for knowing the answer?

Answer 1

i dont think its arrogance i think they are jealous. i got the same thing from fellow students when i was in school. i even had to correct some teachers with books galore and resources backing up what i was saying, most of the teachers took it well but the students didnt. keep learning dont let them stop you from being smart. later they'll be either workin for you or be one of your patients or something like that lol

Answer 2

I totally agree with keezymama. Knowing most of the answers is good and all, but giving other people a chance isn't a bad idea either. You come off as a know-it-all to your peers and that's one thing that most people can't stand. I'm not saying you ARE a know-it-all, I'm just saying that's how people see you when you constantly answer everything. What makes it worse is that you're constantly right. There's nothing wrong with it at all, trust me! It's great that you're obviously very intelligent! But some people will think that you're just trying to show off. Jealousy is a good explanation, but aggravation is better. There's nothing wrong with holding back every once in a while.

Answer 3

I think it's great that you're excelling in school. And it does indeed sound like the ones making the comments are jealous. They might think you're trying to show off because that's their mentality. If you want to calm the situation, you could wait to be called on by the teacher rather than raise your hand each time. However, that might affect your class participation grade (find out about this). What it comes down to is this: It's important to make friends and get along with others at school, and you should do what you can to succeed in this area so long as it doesn't adversely affect your studies -- however, it's more important to get good grades and excel in school. Because it's the grades that are going to see you thru college and eventually the job market.

Do not be ashamed or embarassed because you're smart!

Answer 4

It might look like arrogance, it may stem from other people's jealousy. It could be that the other people in class have the same answer but you answer first. However, part of being intelligent is learning to give other people a chance to express their opinions and share their answers. Try raising your hand less often, or letting someone else answer before you do. Although you may not mean for it to, you may come across as a know-it-all.

Answer 5

The desire to share knowledge can appear to be arrogance. Just pull back a bit and let others answer. If no one else can answer a question, then pipe up. Most people do not enjoy being corrected and tend to feel humbled by an individual who seems to "know it all". That said, it is good to continue to build your knowledge base and expertise in the area where you are skilled. It might help to diffuse the reputation if ou attempted to seek information from others in areas where you are not as skilled in order to communicate a respect for others' knowledge and a desire to receive as well as impart information.

Answer 6

You may appear to be a know it all to other people, but the perception is in their heads. Let it be their problem. Yes, it's jealousy and the fact that your classmates think it's uncool to participate. Truth is, they don't have the balls and they know it. Screw 'em.

Edit - as for letting other students answer a question, you can still raise your hand if you know the answer. This shouldn't deter others from raising theirs if they know it as well. The teacher can decided who to pick and would prefer to have a number of hands to choose from.

Answer 7

Why don't you hang back just a tad. If someone else know the answer and puts their hand up - then you don't have to. (if you still feel driven to - then you are looking for recognition). If no one else knows the answer than go ahead and put your hand up. Having a question go totally unanswered can interrupt the flow of the class. (It also gives you a chance for the teach to understand that you want to participate in class and have a good understanding of the subject without others feeling that you are trying to dominate the classroom).

Answer 8

It is a jealousy thing -- but it can also be a timing thing. Even if you do know the answer you should wait a while for the other students to think about it (some of them take a while). It is impotrant to give everyone a chance.

Answer 9

Well that is a problem that I had also. While you might know the answer it is nice to let other people have the chance to answer or they might feel dumb about themselves. Also believe it or not but that actually drives a teacher nuts. They want to hear from other kids in class too.

Answer 10

Your fellow students probably feel as though you are making them look bad by answering all of the questions. That's their problem, not yours. You have a skill and you shouldn't have to hide it b/c others don't like it. It seriously is jealousy. I don't think it's arrogant to think that way, b/c most likely it's true.