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What a trainee asks question that I can’

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What if a trainee asks a question that I can’t answer immediately? It’s just like something at the tip of your mind that you can’t seem to recall immediately.

I was afraid that if I were to tell my trainees, maybe I’ll try to get back to them let’s say.. after a tea break or lunch.. is it a good idea?

Or maybe I can just counter their question with another question, let’s say, maybe something like, “what do you think”?

I’m open to ANY suggestions..

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What a trainee asks question that I can’

In reply to What a trainee asks question that I can’

I’m sure you’ll get several very different responses to this, but my approach is to tell them that I’m not sure, but I will check into it and get back to them (and if it’s something you can research over a break so much the better). In my experience students are usually satisfied with this answer, especially if you actually follow through. No one can know everything, so an occasional lapse is usually OK, as long as it is not something central to the topic you’re teaching and that you really should have known.

Another approach, depending on the nature of the question and the skill level of the class, is to have the class members try to answer the question as a class exercise.

What a trainee asks question that I can’

In reply to What a trainee asks question that I can’

Maybe I’ll try it when I have a chance, or when a trainee would happen to pop up with a difficult question. Thanks. I appreciate it.

What a trainee asks question that I can’

In reply to What a trainee asks question that I can’

I agree with Larry on this in both respects. To acknowledge that you don’t know everything makes them feel you’re one of them. So you find the answer and get back to them. Just make sure you follow through. Because I have terrible short-term memory, I write it in a corner on the white board. That way I can’t forget.
Turning the question back to the other students is an excellent technique that I use successfully. It’s even better if I know the answer!!

Al Hedstrom

What a trainee asks question that I can’

In reply to What a trainee asks question that I can’

Writing down things to make sure that you remember, I think I’ll try that technique of yours. It could prove useful. Thanks a lot!

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