Scenario: The Overzealous Overachiever

[Jo Hampton]

One of your students is finishing assignments so far ahead of schedule, you’re considering asking them to help you teach the course. How do you channel their boundless energy into something productive—like peer mentoring, extra projects or single-handedly saving the internet? (OK, maybe not the last one.)

[Frances M]

I would be looking to find ways of extending this student through enrichment activities, as mentioned, peer mentoring would be good. Another idea could be to provide an independent project that is relevant to the subject and also of interest to the student. They could then present this to the class and this adds value to the student and also to the classes knowledge.

[MHubert]

Hmm, this is an interesting one, I would firstly have a conversation with them to find out why they are handing them in so early, it may be that they have other commitments (Such as work, family or other study) that means they must be super organised, or maybe they just finding the work too easy and not challenging enough for them. They also may not want to do anything extra for the course, especially if they are already committed in other areas. Also, is the work to a high standard? If it is, and they do want to extend themselves with further work, you could get them to run a couple of share sessions with other students about what they have learnt on the course. Another option is they may want to offer to help support other students that may be struggling. I would also ensure there is some sort of reward for them doing this, either in the form of extra credits, or an excellence certificate or similar. Hope this helps!

[TU2BU]

I agree that finding out the reason why they are handing them in so early makes sense. They may just like to clear their to do sheet and not be looking to take on more.

If there is a practical element to the task, then overachieving may not be beneficial.
Sometimes we need to be able to show a level of consistency in what we are doing and consolidate our learning. In this case I would be looking to slow them down a little.

I feel it would depend on the type of study they were doing, are they working towards a qualification of some form or using the information in a work setting?
(Ruth)

[TU2BU]

I agree that finding out the reason why they are handing them in so early makes sense. They may just like to clear their to do sheet and not be looking to take on more.

If there is a practical element to the task, then overachieving may not be beneficial.
Sometimes we need to be able to show a level of consistency in what we are doing and consolidate our learning. In this case I would be looking to slow them down a little.

I feel it would depend on the type of study they were doing, are they working towards a qualification of some form or using the information in a work setting?
(Ruth)

[Jo Hampton]

That’s some great reflection Mhubert. I hadn’t considered that there could be reasons. I had some personal issues early in the year and did my work early, but didn’t actually hand it in early.

• This reply was modified 2 months, 1 week ago by Jo Hampton.

[ejb30]

Probably best to have a catchup with this person personally to check:

1. Reason for doing so
2. Their long term goals
3. Appropriateness of any further supportive activities (maybe it has nothing to do with an additional assignment).

I think if we are talking about adult learning and continued learning, if they are interested, then options such as discussing membership into relevant societies/communities may be suitable. Networking can sorta help as well, again very much based on what goals this person has (as long as theres no clear quality issues).

Thanks
Ted

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