An instructor is discussing key material for a course when a learner asks a question that will lead to material that the class is not yet prepared for.
Which of the following is the BEST course of action for the instructor?
Click on the arrows to vote for the correct answer
A. B. C. D.C.
As an instructor, encountering a learner who asks a question that will lead to material that the class is not yet prepared for can be challenging. However, there are several ways to handle this situation effectively.
Option A, which is to inform the learner that the question can be asked during a break, may not be the best course of action. This approach may come across as dismissive, and the learner may feel ignored or undervalued. Additionally, if the question is crucial to the learner's understanding of the material, delaying the answer could impact their overall learning experience.
Option B, which is to answer the question even if it will lead to material not yet covered, may also not be the best choice. Although it may seem like a quick solution to keep the class moving, it could result in confusion for the learner and other students who may not have the necessary background knowledge to fully understand the answer. Moreover, it may impact the flow of the course and cause the instructor to deviate from the lesson plan.
Option D, which is to inform the learner that the question falls outside of scope and will not be answered, could also be detrimental to the learner's experience. It could come across as dismissive and unsupportive, leaving the learner feeling excluded and unimportant.
Option C, which is to defer the question and assure the learner that it will be covered later in the course, is the best course of action. This approach shows that the instructor values the learner's question and acknowledges its relevance to the course. It also assures the learner that the material they are seeking will be covered, making them feel heard and supported. This approach is especially effective if the instructor can provide a specific time frame or an upcoming lesson where the question will be addressed.
In conclusion, when faced with a question that leads to material not yet covered in the course, the best course of action is to defer the question and assure the learner that it will be covered later in the course. This approach is respectful to the learner, keeps the course on track, and ensures that the instructor sticks to the lesson plan.