Korean Job Discussion Forums

NightSky · Joined: 19 Apr 2005

How do you handle it when adult students ask you questions that either:

a) you don't know the answer to, like a tricky grammar question
b) seem designed to test your knowledge of something (leading away from the lesson topic, and requiring a complex explanation)

I am new to teaching adult students, so am not sure if it is best to just admit it if you don't know the answer, but promise to find out and follow up, or to try and get them back on topic immediately.

What are everyone's thoughts?

Otherside · Joined: 06 Sep 2007

If its a more general knowledge question, no shame in admitting you don't know the answer (depending on the Q of course).

With a grammar question. Just say "this is a rather complicated grammar point, we'll discuss it at another time". Then do your homework and explain it at a later time. This 'brush-off' approach is obviously less effective in 1-1 or 1-2 type situations..or if you have a bit of time left at the end of the class.

Slaps · Joined: 22 Jun 2007 Location: Sitting on top of the world

You could just be honest and say that something along the lines of "I'm not 100% certain so I'll have to check that for you and I'll tell you next lesson", but you must make sure you do tell them next time.

peppermint · Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 7:55 am Post subject:

I remember those sorts of questions, and having a lengthy debate in the staffroom over why you get in a car, but on a bus.

Tell them you'll get back to them on it, and if you're killing time, as them what they think the answer is, and why. That way, when you check into it, you'll either be able to confirm that they were right, or explain why they were wrong

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

I would just say *I am not sure, I will get back to you*.

Jizzo T. Clown · Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Location: at my wit's end

I tell them that their homework is to find out and tell the class next time. IME they rarely come back with an explanation (that is, if no one bothers to bring it up).

MarionG · Joined: 14 Sep 2006

When the ask the b) kind of question, say

"That requires a long answer. Why don't you see me after class? I really don't want to leave the lesson to take as much class time as the answer would require."

mj roach · Joined: 16 Mar 2003

Carry a copy of 'Basic English Usage' by Michael Swan (Oxford) and 'Essentials Of English' by V. Hopper, et.al. (Barrons') in your 'bag of tricks'...give them the book and make it an exercise of them finding the answer for the class....same for spelling - 'sound out' the word and have them find the spelling in their (or your) dictionary.

thu_tinh · Joined: 27 Sep 2006

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

jlb · Joined: 18 Sep 2003

Do they have a Korean teacher as well? I usually pass off the technical grammar stuff to the Korean grammar professors! I tell them I haven't studied grammar in depth so I cannot answer their extremely technical questions. Honesty is never a bad thing. If you're on your own though you'll probably have to figure out the answer!

Juregen · Joined: 30 May 2006

I tell them,

Let me get back to you on that next class.

Next time, i explain it in more detail.

Explain to your students that you have a lesson plan, and that you prefer not to deviate from your lesson plan.

koon_taung_daeng · Joined: 28 Jan 2007 Location: south korea

i would just get super sweaty and freak out in a huge panic attack then jump right thru the glass window.