But what if you are asked a question for which you do not know the answer? This is where good ethics kicks in. We must always let students know that it is ok not to know. However, it is not ok to continue not knowing.
Hi Sarah,
Good advice from your high school teacher. I heard a quote that I like as well. "To teach is to learn twice." and I believe it. We get to prepare and teach content we love because it is in our field and we get paid to do it. What's not to like?
Gary
A teacher of mine in highschool always told me that the best way to learn something was to teach it...at this point you really should know the subject you are teaching.
Hi Manuela,
Well said. No we instructors don't know it all and never will. What we can do is to help the students find the answers to the questions they pose. This is part of the enjoyment of being an instructor. We get to facilitate and direct the learning of our students. This is what makes it worth it each time we meet a class.
Gary
Hi Manuela,
Your approach helps your students to see you from a human perspective. The connection between you as an instructor as well as an experienced person from the field needs to be seen by the students. You are doing that with your sharing of your life experiences and examples from your career.
Gary
I don't want to "give it my best shot". I either know it or not. I am honest with my students if I don't know something, even if it is in my field of study. I use my shortcommings as research ideas. Students know if an instructor knows his or her subject matter.
I have had many students telling me that they have instructors who read to them from the book instead of teaching and where therefor not able to answer their questions.
I can not go into a classroom with the thought that I will be able to answer all my students' questions. I am human and I just do not know ALL the answers. I am confident in my field, I not only hold a degree and gained theoretical knowledge, I also have practical experience. I am human, I tell my students on the first day that if I cannot answer a question they have, I will help them find it.
Katie,
I agree tremendously with this statement. I can recall many times in the classroom setting when I began to feel frustrated because I felt that the instructor didn't have the slightest bit of understanding in the subject matter. If you are going to put yourself out there always give it your best shot!
