How do I deal with a student who is overachieving?

Question

I'm not a new professor by a long shot, but this one has me stumped, so I'm hoping for some input from students and other faculty.

There is a young woman in my class who has a bad academic reputation at my university among both faculty and other students.  Colleagues expressed sympathy to me when they discovered she was in my class this semester.  I had to shift her into another group when several of her classmates refused to work with her based upon past experience.  I made some lame excuse about changing my mind about the numbers of students I wanted in each group, but I could see from her expression that she caught on.  

But here's the thing:  So far, in my class, she has done extremely well.  She has participated regularly in class discussions.  I just graded the midterms and hers is one of the better ones.  She frequently jumps forward to help me with the stubborn classroom technology.  Based on her performance in my class, the reaction she is getting from others doesn't make any sense at all.  I'm not sure if she is sucking up (but she doesn't do that to my colleagues) or if she is looking for sympathy from me.  I'm a little baffled, but what is obvious to me is that if she wants to, she is capable of doing really well.

Obviously, I will praise her for the things she is doing well, and equally obviously, nothing I have heard about her from others will enter into my evaluation of her work for my class.  I'm wondering, though, if I shouldn't talk to her about this disparity between what I've observed and what I've heard.  I don't want to upset her by bringing up things she probably doesn't realize that I know about her, but at the same time, I'm thinking that if she DOES trust me more than she does others, I could potentially turn her life around, and I'd hate to let that opportunity pass.  If it makes a difference, I should add that I'm probably old enough to be her grandmother.  Any suggestions?

Tessa · Accepted Answer

I would not say a word to her, that would just bring attention to what she has done in the past and/or with others. Give her praise where she deserves it, but do the same with the bad stuff as well. If she brings it up, then I would say what you have said, but not til then.

ecker · Answer

Overachieving Students

Stef · Answer

I have no experience of education but I do have a couple of thoughts which much depend upon her age and her home life.
It is possible that her home life has changed making it easier for this girl to make progress in school.  Does your school have some sort of pastor teacher with whom the girl may have spoken, that person may be able to shed some light on the change without breaking confidences.

She may just like you and is responding to you in a positive way, in other classes she may not have received the right sort of treatment from your colleagues to bring out the best in her.

Would you be able to have a chat with her parents on how well she is doing now and see if you get any response from that direction?

I do hope for the sake of this girl you find a good way forward, you are obviously a caring teacher, from the other side of the desk I would have to say not all are

♥jj♥ · Answer

I'm not a teacher, just a recent school graduate (I'm 22). Here's my opinion (coming from a student's point of view): Don't treat her negatively or as if you expect her to do something wrong- because in your class she's done well. Don't tell her negative things others say about her! If she comes forward to you- help her, if she doesn't- leave her alone and treat her fairly in your class. It's how I'd want to be treated if I were her. Maybe she just really excels at the subject you're teaching, or maybe she is turning her life around on her own.

becs · Answer

Yeah, this is why I don't trust teachers. You got a biased opinion of her based on what your colleagues and students told you. Now that she's proving your bias wrong, you're upset about it. Had you heard nothing about her, you wouldn't be saying any of these things.

Her life is none of your business, really. Maybe she truly just wants to get her life on track. Maybe she's sick of failing and just wants to do well. Maybe she's just really interested in your course. Whatever it is, it's nothing to do with you. I'm actually a little surprised that you want to get involved so much. I think you should just live and let live.

Sue · Answer

I believe you shouldn't tell her. Just keep making her feel you believe in her, and DO believe in her. Give her a lot of compliments. I'm not a teacher but I've tried something similar to this, and the girl I used to help in studying is now like a sister to me, and I am to her.
And even if things don't turn to be like this, it surely is for the good of both of you to help her break that bad reputation.

God bless you :)

Herbert · Answer

I am a professor and I feel that you should not tell her what has been said about her as it will only upset her and outcome may not be favorable. I think you should continue to acknowledge the fact that she is doing well. Perhaps she was placed in your life for a reason, she may admire and look up to you. Have a great day!

Anonymous · Answer

I’m thinking, why is her past experience with other teacher make you feel she will be the same with you? I mean she should be allowed to start over with every teacher without anything in her past being carried over, especially if she’s not showing you that same thing. I mean sometimes it can be the teacher and not the student, right? I wouldn’t say anything to her about anything in her past..because I’m thinking you only know things from word of mouth, but not by actions. It’s actions you should be judging not words you’ve heard. :)

Megan · Answer

im sorry i already lost u right after u said that YOU ARE nice to EVERYONE and a STRAIGHT A honorol student and ur PRESENTABLE!! i mean come on ppl wud KILL to just b as smart as u r i think that u r letten HER get to u and ur head if she really is looking down on u and u feel that way let her know and if she denys say oh well thatz how i felt but im good now so just stay focus and always thrive to b the best just dnt let HER get to ur head im sure u r waaaaay better then her and i dnt even know you :) i know girls lyk that and im posative she has a flaw or flaws so just know that u r just as good as her well i think ur better but hey this is about u goodluck :)

TJ · Answer

Have her do work students older than her do, that would be an excellent way to help her graduate quicker, and get her a job that applies to her major making lots of money.

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How do I deal with a student who is overachieving?

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