Problems with a student

[cassandra]

I also teach (English as a foreign language). You will always come across plenty of difficult characters, naturally.
It does seem as if she is trying to bully you and undermine your confidence.
I would definitely try to nip this in the bud.
Maybe a talk with her about exactly what she wants out of her lessons and why she seems less than satisfied would be a good idea before continuing.
Would she feel happier taking lessons elsewhere? I've mostly found that speaking openly often gets positive results and clears up misunderstandings.
Also try not to take it personally. She's most likely this way with anyone who lets her. Don't get involved in her games or let her get to you. That's probably just what she wants. Distance your emotions, treat the situation as professionally/unemotionally as possible.
Sounds like you're a thoughtful and hardworking teacher, which most students appreciate. If you feel worried about being inexperienced in any way, all teachers have to start somewhere. How can it be any other way?
You'll keep coming across this type of situation. As you know, you will gain more confidence as you go on, and because you are thoughtful, you will keep getting even better.
If she continues to treat you without respect and press your buttons for the sheer hell of it, I would politely and firmly suggest she take lessons with someone else.
Hope this helps.

 

[Mrs.Tigersoap]

I've had an encounter similar to this one once. she was a client in my Kinesiology practice. She kept doubting everything I was saying, asking questions all the time, making inappropriate remarks. In the field I'm working, I get a lot of questions, that's not an issue, but she was obviously trying to be manipulative and disruptive.So I set things straight directly and explained to her that it was OK to ask lots of questions, but that we had limited time together and she was paying me to do a job that I was not able to perform, which was not fine by me. I also reminded her that she was there of her own accord, that I did not force her and that if she did not trust me or the method, she was free to leave, I would not charge her anything nor hold any hard feelings. I was (surprisingly) calm during this. Her behaviour changed completely in an instant. She became engaged in the session and she later came back several times, brought me her daughter and gave my number to friends! I did not expect that at all. It's like she was 'testing' me and, seeing there was resistance, she gave up.

I'm not saying this is what would have worked for you, Aragorn. But maybe you felt something was off from the start and did not respond to this feeling. Then it was too late, the vampire was in, so to speak. With all the good comments you've been given in this thread, I'm sure you will be more prepared for that sort of encounter next time. :)

 

[cassandra]

I'm not saying this is what would have worked for you, Aragorn. But maybe you felt something was off from the start and did not respond to this feeling. Then it was too late, the vampire was in, so to speak. With all the good comments you've been given in this thread, I'm sure you will be more prepared for that sort of encounter next time. :)

Exactly, and vampires hate honest, straight talking, where they have no where left to hide.

Edit=fixed quote tag

 

[stellar]

Not much I can add to the responses that have been given, just that I see you have been caught napping on the job(Work) and it may be giving you clues as to what aspect of your machine needs more Work and Will. FWIW .Vigillance comes to mind. :)

 

[supriyanoel]

I've had these experiences with students,and sometimes it gets sticky. For a little while.Until you know if its really a vampire.I am practicing knowing who I am and why I'm there most of the time and am able to nip these episodes in the bud,usually.Sometimes I can feel undermined and even stymied, and when I do I'm not in a position of power.So I give the power to them.I let them tell us what they know.Maybe its useful.If its not I find out ,usually quickly.If its not a vampire it will state its intentions honestly and the class will know it.I feel I know what I'm doing,however if I'm confident in that knowledge, then maybe a student does have something to teach me.I give them the floor and let them cancel themselves out if need be. Or not . BUT it Will come out in the proverbial wash if its a distracting game playing agenda.I ask myself"Who am I,and why am I here?"and take a lot of pipe breaths.Taking the person aside and speaking in a non-confrontational way and not playing the authoritarian role is important. Its not about me really anyway but "what are they perceiving?"and I do take the time to find out.I may have a bigger ego part in it than I know!If the person is really in my opinion disruptive, they get told what the minimum criteria for the class is and if they choose not to comply ,they are asked to leave.Respect is crucial for both of us.If I it's not a 2-way street, I consult with management officials prior to my asking for the dismissal,when working in that environment.I have learned many lessons about my programs and have changed my behaviors when necessary also. The ego is always waiting in the wings somewhere,so taking step or 2 or 3 back is a good idea always.Looking before I leap. Hope this makes sense a bit.It's not so cut and dried.The grey area is grey and hazy for a reason so remember-Learning is FUN!even with all those tears.Love and best of time utilization.