Korean Job Discussion Forums

[NightSky]

For those who teach adults: when you're describing something and you can tell that you are losing them, that they're either completely not understanding what you're saying or only partially understanding...do you switch gears and try to re-explain it in a different way, making it clear that you know they aren't following?

Or do you just pretend you're all finished talking about that, whether they got it or not, and move on to something else?

I feel kind of guilty when this happens. Like I realize I should have told the story or made the point using simpler language and speaking more slowly. But, well, I didn't. It got away from me.

Just wondering what others do.

[Bibbitybop]

I hate knowing I couldn't convey a message or make them understand.

I re-explain it differently, get a fluent bilingual to help translate in some cases, or wait until the next class when I have time to plan and approach it differently.

Rarely do I let them leave confused.

[jlb]

I'm the kind of teacher that will explain something 3 or 4 different ways until they're all sick of it and clearly understand the concept. Even if I see one or two blank looks, I'll keep hammering on it with examples and stuff until they all have it figured out.

I think it's better that they know a little really well and so at least they'll have something solid to take away from my class.

[NightSky]

I should clarify that I don't mean when it's a specific point I'm trying to teach them. I should hope I'd explain that until they get it. I mean more along the lines of when you tell an anecdote and you don't realize until the end that they are just kind of smiling politely at you and are not really sure where you're going with it (and neither are you). In that case, do you try to drive the message home, or just leave it and move on?