What’s the role of these two creatures in the classroom?  As for the know-it-all student, they can seem to be a source of frustration for the teacher….but they may also serve as a catalyst to increase the other students’ desire to contribute.  Haven’t you had the know-it-all in class and haven’t you seen the other students put forth extra effort just to try to prove him/her wrong.  By being challenged in this way, even if it is threatening to some at times, students are being pushed to dig deeper or look more closely in attempt to discredit the know-it-all….and this can result in learning that might otherwise not have taken place.

On to the teacher’s pet…..the yin and yang of the classroom.  While they can be a blessing at times, they can also be a curse, especially when other students preceive the “teacher’s pet” as receiving more attention from the teacher than others.  Also, relying on one student in this manner can result in tension between students and between students and teacher.  If student think the “pet’s” ideas, opinions or thoughts are more highly valued, it can cause others to doubt their self-worth.  I think teachers really must strive to maintain a learning environement where everyone feels equally important….and that is very difficult to do sometimes.