Sean,
You make a very good point. Be honest admit you don't know, assign them to find the answer and/or bring the answer to class the next time. This keeps the course moving forward and you have the respect of your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree with all the previous responses. From my experiences a student will not lose any respect for you if you tell them that you do not know the answer. The only way that they could lose respect is if you try to dodge the question or try to "B.S." your way through an answer. I always tell my student that I do not know the answer but that I will find out for them. Then make sure to follow up with them individually or with the whole class as it may be information that could benefit all your students.
I also experience this from time to time. I feel that is okay to not know the answer to a question. Just because you are an instructor does not mean that you know everything. In a case like this, I tend to generate class discussions to see if someone else knows the answer. For an instructor to admit that they do not know the answer to a question shows humility, which I feel can provide students with a sense of connection. Specifically, that as humans, we are on a constant journey of learning.
Great response Gary! I agree! There are times when things do come up that we do not know or have never encountered in our experience. With all the technology available, the question could even be used as a computer lab assignment to see who can research the answer and come up with the most accurate response. To teach is to learn again for sure! Christina
Jeanette,
Not at all. In fact questions that you can't answer can be turned into teachable moments by you asking the class if they know the answer. If no one does then assign the question to them to answer by the next class session. In the meantime you can do your own research and come up with the answer. There is so much to know about all of our fields there is not way we can know the answer to every question raised so when you don't know tell them you don't know and follow the steps I have shared with you.
Also, watch out for students that ask questions just to trip you up. Don't let them drag into such a situation. Make sure the question is merit in relation to the topic of the class and how having the answer will further the learning of the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
