On being a smartass

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My physics teacher spent the first couple of weeks insisting that because I wasn't taking notes or anything, I'd get a bad grade on the first test and probably complain about it for a while. I did no homework [because he never graded it so I stopped caring] and drew all the time in class. I got an A on the test.

He then proceeded to ask me if I crammed, to which I said, not, "This stuff is intensely easy" or, "No, I didn't," but, "You've been teaching for nine years. I've been learning for sixteen. By your logic I'm better at learning than you are at teaching."

He turned red, so I'm pretty sure he's pissed off. Also, I laugh when I think I pissed people off, not because it's funny but because it makes me intensely nervous. I also laugh when I'm embarrassed, and I don't always laugh when I think stuff is funny, but I don't think anyone's figured that out yet.

Other than good old self control, which I apparently do not have when it comes to the words coming out of my mouth, does anyone have any advice to stop being a smartass? Or should I just avoid everyone? :I

Does anyone else do stuff like this and then think, "Oh, that may have been a bad idea..." two minutes later?

Be careful, that teacher might try to fu** you up. You NEVER piss a teacher. Thats NOT smart. If I was you I would start keeping all my tests and graded work in case something "wrong" shows up in your card.

The only good advise I have for stop saying stupid things is not saying anything when I am mad. I will speak when I am calmed and thought about what I am going to say. I know thats not the best approach, but it is the only thing that works for me. Always think before opening our mouth.

The best way to stop being a smartass is trying to be humble, smiling politely and giving your opinion respectfully, using expressions as "Oh, don't worry, I'm processing all what you are saying", "I understand better if I don't take notes". Sometimes white lies are necessary to fit in society.

I have similar anecdotes with teachers, but I was very young when those few anecdotes happened (I was 9 or 10). I learnt then how to shut my mouth.

There are different learning styles. Some people are Auditory learners some are not. Next time tell your teatcher (politely) that you have wondered yourself why you do not need to take notes (admitting that you yourself find it strange will turn the conversation towards you instead of your teatcher). Tell that you have been looking up learning styles and found that you (probably) are a Auditory learner. Your teatcher should know the different learning styles, but you can throw in a few bulletpoints from the list (you can also be a mixture of learning styles, if so, state that). Keep the tone polite and do not claim that he is a lousy teatcher, that is not a good way of interacting with anybody.

Some teatchers like intelligent pupils, others do not. If you have one of the latter, there is no need to piss him off. You need your good grades and there is no harm in being a bit polite. Keep under the radar and do not provoke.

Auditory learners are those who learn best through hearing things. Look over these traits to see if they sound familiar to you. You may be an auditory learner if you are someone who: http://homeworktips.about.com/od/homewo ... gstyle.htm

Last edited by helles on 26 Sep 2012, 10:49 am, edited 1 time in total.

I had a similar experience but i did not make any remarks but I did not rvise for chemistry exams and went to the top of the class at the first level BTEC. It was like I was a few years ahead of the work that was being covered by teaching my self straight from school in 1983. I did not make friends until 1985 at college which those that I did make friends were young people with learning disabilities on a special needs course. My course was a science course and was mainstream which is logical and the 'classmates' doing the same course as me were allistic. I knew things that would not have been covered for two to three years such as the products of the reaction of an ester with a Grignard reagent or lithium dialkylcuprate. I am more of a visual learner which comes in handy if studying chemistry from the basic levels to more advanced study.

It's a difficult situation to call.

Especially if your in a lower level class, or a freshmen, they see a lot of people do like you do and fail.

But there are people who are good at auditory learning.

Def though in the future approach the situation with much more tact. No need to make an enemy.

I'd apologize. Making male teachers angry is a bad idea. I know from experience.

First, apologize to the teacher. Though he is a raging hypocrit. He can make your life a living hell if he tried. Also, everyone in the room who is your friend will still like. Those who have apathy be nice to them. Those who don't like you do not care about them. I went through a similar situation and that is what i did and it worked out well. Another factor is how well liked the teacher is. If he is well-liked, it will be hard to fix. If he is unliked, no one will care and some might praise you.

My oh my, I wanna put that quote on my wall. I kinda wish I was there to see it.
But seriously, if a teacher gets mad at you because of that well, I think there's a flaw in their thinking. Sure, that remark is quite cheeky but in my opinion everyone learns at their own pace. The fact that your teacher is offended proves that he sees himself superior to his students. That is not how knowledge should be passed on. It's always wiser to think you know nothing than believe you know everything. A teacher learns as much as his or her students. His reply should have been: "I've been learning for (however many years), by your logic, I'm a better learner." Students should think outside the box, even if it means challenging the teacher, otherwise they're only being taught to listen.
It's nice that you are concerned about offending people, so if you have to stop being a smartass as you call it, then the best advice I can give is to bite your tongue and just not talk.
I don't think you should do that, It's good that you worry about other people's feelings. If you feel bad then work on an apology.