questions in which you do not know the answer
anyone else get discouraged when a student asks a question that you do not know the answer? i sometimes find myself questioning myself and my knowledge and then again, i end up learning something in the process
Hi Craig, Thanks for your post to the forum. That is indeed the best response that students can respect. Of course it's imperative that you get back to them with an answer asap. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I've come across this a few times and I have always told my students the truth that I don't know the answer but I will find out what it is and let them know as soon as possible.
I don't get discouraged. If I don't know I will tell them that, and let them know I will find the answer. I also invite other students' input because someone else in the class may have experienced the same issue and may know the answer.
Hi Jean, You demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning for your students.
Susan Polick
It happens to me all the time. I am new to teaching. But I think it's actually a good thing because the class can research the question and we can all learn something from the situation. For me, being a culinary school instructor has taught me a lot! I know so much more about the pastry arts now that I ever did. It's all due to the students challenging us.
I am honest with te students as well, I usually let them know I will research this for them, and get back to the question, or ask if anyon would like to try and find the answer for the class.
Hi Todd, That is excellent advice - thanks for sharing!
Susan Polick
Hi Ryan, An excellent response - thanks for sharing!
Susan Polick
Definitely be honest with them, let them know you don't know but will find it. It is also important to stress to them that education is more then just knowing all the answers, especially in todays world with the access to information that we have, knowing where to find information is nearly as important as knowing the information.
Sometimes you can turn not knowing into a lesson on how to find information, and it can be a very valuable learning experience for all of you.
I get these types of questions about once a week. I find that no matter how much you know and prepare, someone will ask you something that you don't know. If its a question that is on point of the subject I respond by saying "That is a great question, and I don't have the answer to that. I will find out for you unless anyone would like to look it up." I tell my students that we are all learning everyday. That you learn from me, and I learn from you all.
As Instructors we have a lot of knowledge on our subject matter. But, like everyone else we do not know everything. When I do not have an answer, I will tell my students that I will find the answer to that question. I will look it up or ask the other Instructors. We learn just like the students learn.
I agree, I feel that students respect instructors when they are honest about not knowing the answer to a question. No one ever wants to feel unsure about an answer but I never want to pretend I know the answer and the student find out I told a lie to cover. Besides being in the technology age they can find the answer faster that you can give the a false answer.
When you teach something like 3D software, it is nearly impossible to know every answer to a question. Though if the subject matter of the question is outside the learning scope of the course, then you can just direct them to information like the help file.
Learning is good for all of us we just have to be honest with our students and follow up with them when we get an answer for them.
yes i have had this happen. Although i am teacher i am still a human, I am not a god and do not have answers to everything. I usually let class know i well get back to them on that.
I completely agree or I would let my students know I will get back to you ASAP with an answer.
Hi Marilyn, Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree that an honest response is the best response! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
yes, I have had this happen, not really knowing the answer to a student's question, but I am honest about it and let the student know that I don't know the answer to their question, but will have the answer to you by tomorrow. I sometimes think the student respect the fact that instuctors are human and are not afraid to be honest with the student.
Hi Jeanie, That is a great approach!
Susan Polick
