Answering Student Questions For New Teachers

How To Survive in The Classroom When You Don’t Know the Answer

Sep 4, 2008

New teachers are so worried about looking professional and intelligent in front of students to gain their respect, that often they think they need to save face.

But teachers need not panic when faced with the inevitable student question to which they have no answer. It takes courage to admit to a group of wide-eyed students, “I don’t know.” New teachers sometimes attempt to mask their weaknesses with a vague response, but students see through this façade. They will perceive you as phony instead of honest. Here are specific phrases to use in order to gain true respect.

When You Don't Know the Answer

“I don’t know, but I’ll find out for you.” (Make sure you look up the information and follow-through the next day. This is vital. This shows that you care enough about knowledge to seek it out, and that you care enough about students to truly listen to their questions.)

“I don’t know. Could you look up the answer for us?” (If possible, point to a dictionary or classroom computer for instant class participation. Otherwise, assign it as extra credit homework.)

Students will actually respect you more for coming clean and facing the class with your lack of knowledge. They are used to feeling insecure in class, and it's important for them to realize that the lack of knowledge does not make a person "stupid." It’s good for them to recognize that learning is continuous for everyone.

When Students React To Your Lack of Knowledge

When students are surprised that you don’t know the answer, respond by saying:

Again, this is a teachable moment. You are teaching your students that everyone needs to seek more information.

When Dealing With Gifted Students

Teaching gifted students as a new teacher can be intimidating. If you have gifted students with vast pockets of knowledge, respond to their information with:

“That sounds fascinating. I’m going to have to look into/read/ watch that myself.”

"Thank you for sharing that. We'll have to come to you for information about [ ] for now on. You're our new class expert."

You will gain more respect than you can imagine by stepping back and listening to students rather than always providing the information. And students will be pleased that they have knowledge to offer you, thus improving their motivation and self-worth in your classroom. Relax and allow students to take a more active role in helping you teach a well rounded lesson. As cliché as it is, “the truth will set you free."

The copyright of the article Answering Student Questions For New Teachers in Lesson Plan Help is owned by Kristy Acevedo. Permission to republish Answering Student Questions For New Teachers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.