Instructors- whats your favourite "type" of student?

Question

Is there a particular type of person that you really enjoy teaching? For example, it could be the person who just instantly absorbs everything and does it perfectly. Or someone who's not so good but gives it everything they've got to improve.

On the flipside, is there a type of student that you don't enjoy so much? Maybe the macho newbie who thinks he knows it all and ends up hurting other students. Or how about someone who is actually really talented but is just too lazy to do anything with it?

What do you think? Is there such thing as an "ideal" student?

Answer 1

The Empty Cup.

Answer 2

Give me the one who tries his best every day.  I don't care what his knowledge and skills are like, just give me a good attitude and I will work all day and night with him.

Answer 3

The well behaved one that take notes very well and test well are doomed to a life of mortgages and little league games.  

That one in the back or the classroom who is a bit punk-ish but still made the admission exams, the one that didn't come from the "right" background but made it into my classroom.  

Those are the ones that I put attention on.  That attitude will give them either rags or riches but they will never be safe.  The campus buildings are named after those types and not those on the honor roll list.

ADDENDUM to "Over Rated":  I'm not talking about the lucky, well raised and bread jocks that got the right coaches.  I'm talking about those that look at the system, sees the flaws and can change it.  I'm talking about that league commissioner level and not the face men you are talking about.  Don't dis that punk, he will either flip burgers or your well behaved son will be working for him.  However that punk will never be your son's peer!  He wants a more interesting life.

Answer 4

LOL...at steve......." That one in the back or the classroom who is a bit punk-ish but still made the admission exams, the one that didn't come from the "right" background but made it into my classroom".......

In  sports all the Greatest have come from a "stable background" with a middle to upper class upbringing.

Look at these......Muhammad Ali - Middle class upbringing with both parents...

Michael Jordan - upper class upbringing in Wilmington NC. Both parents.Magic Johnson from middle class with both parents....

Joe Montana , Tom Brady , Jerry Rice , Walter Payton, etc

all these athletes are far from bieng Punks ever!

A good student is someone who listens and tries hard to improve theselves....and i'm not saying that someone from an unstable background can't learn.....but to say that a "Punk" or someone that did'nt come from the right background is a better student? well that just does'nt make any sense....

an Unstable person who does'nt listen and acts "punkish"....may be doomed to a life of low self esteem and flippin burgers.......

Answer 5

The ones that turn up, don't care how long it takes them to get it as long as they don't loose it by disapearing for three weeks and not practicing. Sometimes people can't always make it to clases and can only turn up sporadicly, but they should still be training to maintian their level.