Getting Caught Off-Guard
Being caught off guard by a student’s question happens to all instructors, regardless of their level of expertise.
Here are things Chris can do:
- Think in advance about standard responses to such questions. For example, “That’s an interesting question, but I’ll need to research it/think it over. I can answer you next time, or message you through the course website.”
- Turn the question back to the students as a learning opportunity: “Good question. How would you (or other class members) go about answering that question?” This is a good way to give students practice actively thinking through course material.
- Take a moment to consider whether the reason you do not have an answer prepared is that the question is only tangential to the course topic or could lead the class discussion astray. In that case you can thank the student for the question and defer a response to the individual to office hours, bCourses, or email.
- Be prepared to say “I don’t know” if that is the honest answer. Be reassured that it is okay not to have all the answers about the subject. Many highly competent faculty members hear novel questions from students that they cannot answer right away. Let students know you will research the question and get back to them. Be sure to follow through.
- Consult with the Instructor of Record. As supervisors, faculty members understand that GSIs are constantly growing in expertise and do not expect GSIs to know everything. Faculty appreciate GSIs who seek out clarification of course material so that they can communicate accurately and effectively with students.
uid: 202008221509 tags: #teaching