Instructor Errors
Nobody is perfect... even instructors can make a mistake. If students ask a question of which we do not know the answer, we should not become defensive and give false answers. Let them know that at that moment we are not familiar with the answer but will get back to them... And please do.
I agree. And it's an important response to model to students as well. When my students run into questions that they can't answer after presentations, I encourage them to say that they don't know, but they will look into the issue and present more about it the next day. I have seen professional communicators do the same in professional settings.
Hi Shelley,
This is the best approach to take when you do not know the answer. Admit to not knowing, find out the answer and share. No one knows everything.
Patricia
I have had this happen to me a few times. If I don't know the answer I will let them know. Then I will research it and have the answer for them the next day at the begining of class.
Hi Greg,
I know the feeling. No one doesn't like not knowing. I understand your want to search for the answer immediately. I have been teaching for 22 years, and I still do not know it all. A student asked me the correct spelling of resume, tool for job search. I recited two of the three ways. I now know that resume can be spelled three different ways after researching the correct spelling.
Patricia
I agree, I don't like admitting I do not know an answer, but I have to sometimes. I try to keep this to a minimun though. This can be helped by knowing the material well, before your presentation. If I do not know an answer, I will sometimes search the internet at that moment and try and find the answer. I will then make a note for future reference.
