I dont know
Although it is tempting at times to come up with an answer when you are unsure of something. I find the best answer is "I am not sure. I would like to get back to you on that". But, be sure and follow through.
I always try to answer a students question as soon as possible. So if I don't know the answer I always walk them over to someone who does, or I'll sit down with them and we will find the answer together.
Hi Adam,
Your method is the only way to do it. If you don't know the answer to a question then either get back to the students or let them research the answer. This gives you as much or more creditability since you told them you don't know the answer but are willing to help the find the answer.
Gary
I have seen many instructors and teacher fall into the trap of "shooting from the hip" when answering questions that they were not ready for. In many cases this was done in an attempt to keep the instructors status in class as the person that knows all. Eventually this technique will fail and this will leave the instructor in an even worse situation. I have found that questions that i can't answer right away will sometimes become an in class activity to find the answer. This situation can become a learning experience for everyone, if done correctly.
Hi Paul,
Well said. The key is to follow up with the answers or responses that the students need. Instructors that don't follow up will experience class management issues in their classes due to the lack of respect that the students lose respect for the instructor.
Gary
As an iInstructor to admit that they are unsure of an answer is very important to keep the student trust of you in tact. The need to follow up with the correct information shows your commitment to the students learning and also the your own.
Paul Zdanis
Hi Steven,
Good way to be flexible. The following up you mention is critical and will show the students that you really do listen to them and that you want to be of help to them as they pursue learning in your classes.
Gary
In the industry I teach (culinary)the material can be very subjective. Often our product for the day can be subject to interpretation. This can often lead to differences in opinions. I often come across ideas I was not aware of. I will always use " I'm not sure, but I will find out and get back to you" as a response. But always make sure to follow through.
I always like to say that is a great question. I don't have an exact anserw for you, but I will get back to you because I want to make sure I am covering it a 100% for you. Thank you for that great question.
Hi Tony,
Spoken like a the true veteran that you are. You know how to set the students at ease and then support them in their learning. By helping them to be successful they build the self confidence needed to achieve their career goals. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I have found that after 17 years I too do not become overly concerned with having all the right answers. I agree that to gain a measure of rapport with students I'll say "I don't know"! Just as they are unsure of themselves, when they hear me say that, they wonder to themselves how come. And I'll answer back that I know where to find the answer. Sometimes they come to expect that they have to memorize everything to be successfull. When in fact if they know where to find the correct answer, in most cases that's all that matters at that moment. When students discover we are human as well, they disengage from their silent anxiety.
Having taught thirty-one years now, I chuckle at how when I was a greenhorn I worked so hard not to make mistakes, fearing that once my students discovered that I was not perfect they would lose faith in me. What a mistake that was. We should strive to do the best job we possibly can, knowing that because we are human we will make mistakes and cannot know everything. Guess what? Students knew that from Day 1. They just want to see how we react when we stumble and whether we really are committed to excellence. Students respect professionalism, and know it when they see it.
Hi James,
Good strategy. You are keeping the focus on their questions and the need to know the answers. Plus, they get the reward of finding the answers themselves or along with others. This increases the value of their knowledge and they will retain the information at a much higher level.
Gary
The 'I don't know' is a great opportunity to explore students prior experiences. If all are uncertain then we (the class) have a collaborative research assignment. I found the 'I'll get back to you' makes for a very busy instructor.
Hi Sheri,
As a result of this effort the students will retain even more of the material since they have worked at finding the information that was needed.
Gary
I do the same thing. Not following through with your class is terrible. If I am ever unsure of the answer I simply tell the class that and have them look it up for extra credit.
Mark, i do the same if i do not know the answer. I tell my students that no one on this planet knows everything. Rather than telling them to research it for extra points, i feel that it's my job responsibility to find or at least direct them to a reliable resource rather than wikipedia.
Hi Mark,
Key point--"follow through" very important.
Gary
