i don't know the answer
As a new instructor, I am afraid of being asked a question to which I don't know the answer. How can I handle a situation where this happens?
Marina,
This is a good method to follow as it gets your students involved in the discussion of the question and gives you time to think of your response. Admitting that you don't know is fine because we can't possibility know the answers to all of the questions asked by students but we can research and get them the answers. I also assign them to find the answers themselves so we can discuss how we all came up with the answers. By doing this I also hold the students accountable for finding the answers because I find when I don't they often just ask question to try and trip me up and delay progress in class. I will not let that happen.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am in the same boat. I have years of clinical experience, but am now embarking on this educational journey. My fear is not "knowing" something right away and being put on the spot in front of the class. I don't try to answer right away, I open it up to the class and see if anyone can have an answer. I do try to come back the next day and quickly address it before starting that class topic.
Rollin,
Way to handle this situation. By being honest you establish yourself as a learning leader that does not know everything but is willing to find answers and learn along with the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have always said I honestly dont know and tell them I will do what I can ASAP to find the correct answer.
Lori,
You have the right approach going for yourself. This is how you should handle questions that you don't know the answer to but will address the next class meeting. Shows you are looking to expand your knowledge base as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is also one of my biggest fears. I have seen so far though that it is best to admit you dont know , offer an attempt at the answer and promise to bring back more info next class. Of course you have to deliver on the follow up.
Kimberly,
Good way to follow up on your word and share the information with your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am honest with the students and tell them I don't know but I also say I will find the answer and then I actually do it.
Dicran,
You need to do the research and gain the knowledge to answer basic questions in your field and about your course. This will establish you as the learning leader. As for the more advanced questions that are asked you can tell your students that you don't know the answers. There is no problem with this at all. Then you can create a plan for finding the answers such as asking the students to find them individually or as a group. In addition, you will need to research the questions and find the answers so you can provide additional input if needed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Kevin,
Thank you for this good response in relation to responding to students when you don't know the answer to one of their questions. With the pace of learning being what it is today it seems that we instructors are finding that it is even harder to know all of the answers to today's questions. The key point is that together we can find the answers and advance our collective knowledge.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I'm new to the teaching, and have already been in situations where I didn't know the answers to questions asked. It was very intimidating, yet a humbling experience. Any suggestions as to how to be better prepared or equipped in these kind of situations?
It happens. The best part is that we are all humans and that we aren't expected to know everything. That is why we are working within the educational environment.
I openly admit to my students that I don't know the answer but that I will find out what it is. I take a minute to write down the questions along with the Student's name and inform them that I will have an answer by the next class period. Then during the start of the next class period I follow up with the student and provide them with the answer that I had.
I found that if a student knows that you don't know the answer and you follow through with your commitment to them they will gain greater trust in you.
Marcie,
It is OK to admit you do not know the answer to a question asked by student. After saying you don't know open the class up and ask if any of the students know the answer. Many times another student will be able to answer the question. If no one including yourself knows the answer tell the students you will have the answer for them at the next class meeting. No instructor can be expected to know everything so you do not lose face by admitting you do not know an answer. In fact often times this enhances your status because you are displaying your human side by not knowing an answer but are willing to find the answer for the class. Just make sure that you do not get trapped by students that want to ask you questions you don't have the answers to to throw you off and derail the class. This is a favorite tactic of students so be ready for it and maintain control of the Q&A session.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The best thing I have found is to tell them you will get back to them tomorrow - then DO it. There are times when the situation is even more complex than it first appeared and you may need some additional time. The important thing is to keep them informed and let them know you are still working on the problem/question.
There are some times (I teach Math), that I know enough methods that I just start on the problem. You have to be able to say, "Whoops, more complex than I thought. I will get back to you."
In those cases, I try to eat my crow humbly.
