Get Your Students Hired
Not knowing an answer to a question should never be over looked. Letting the student know that your not sure but you will find out is the only way to go. Better than them finding out you were wrong.
This is a good idea and allows me to give extra credit to students who are actually there to hear the question. Sometimes there are more than one correct answer to a question and this allows students to see things from different points of view.
This is a very interesting and important topic to discuss and share. Not knowing the answer to the question asked by a student is very stressful.Sometimes it seems like all students ask is something I don't have an answer for. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Pamela, Thanks for your post to the forum. I teach Critical Thinking and also emphasize the limitations of info found on the internet. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
You are absolutely correct, trying to cover up when you don't know kills your credibility. I have gone as far as using the question as a learning segment. I teach computer classes, and I have been known to turn a question back to the students. I not only use it to teach them that learning is ongoing, but to also show them how to look things up using technology. It also gives me a chance to advise them to be cautious about taking everything they find online as the truth without checking it out to make sure the information is legitimate.
When I do not know the answer I tell the students that I am not sure but that I will look into it and get back to them. I also ask the students to look it up and give extra credit to whoever gets the correct answer to me first.
I think this also reminds students that learning is constant. We will never fully know everything. Our knowledge will keep expanding. I always tell my students I love to teach because it refreshes my knowledge and allows me constant access to new information.
Hi Kimberly, Thanks for sharing a really good idea! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
To be sure I'll remember to look up the answer, I'll ask students to write down their questions and hand me the card at the end of the class section. This also reinforces that I'm serious about finding out the answer for them.
I always use this scenario as a learning tool. I will say to the class, "i don't know, but this is how I find out', then I have them explore the appropriate resources with me. I am amazed that so many students do not know how to use an index, table of contents, glossary or other simple tools to help them find answers.
I totally agree that saying " I don't know" is okay. It allows the students to know that you are constantly learning as well.
Hi Tony , Thanks for your post to the forum. That is an important piece of advice! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I find its better if you run in to that situation that tell your student your not sure but you will find out. Make sure you do find out and get back to them quickly. This lets students know your not making up answers and that your willing to find the right answer for them
James your 100% right. Be up front with the student so that they know we dont not it all but we can show them where to find the info. an we all learn together.
Hi James, Thanks for sharing some wise advice! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick