tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1685421402252076967.post2401712345977727165..comments2023-08-18T10:38:57.504-04:00Comments on Pencils Down: Classroom EtiquetteMr. Lucchesehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11489214765844797652noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1685421402252076967.post-87857580255336177792008-04-17T17:07:00.000-04:002008-04-17T17:07:00.000-04:00Hmm...I certainly understand what you mean by thos...Hmm...I certainly understand what you mean by those "stupid questions," but a teacher should remember that unless the question was asked with the direct intention of being stupid, his reaction to the said question may play a significant part in encouraging or discouraging a more timid student who is not quite sure of the value of his/her question. I say that because I wish I had been more willing to ask questions in class instead of spending triple the time trying to research the issue on my own laterwith little assurance that I had actually figured things out correctly. Sometimes I knew I had a solid, worthwhile question, but other times I was TOO concerned about wasting the class's time or sounding like I didn't understand something that everyone else seemed so sure of. Knowing that a teacher would handle any sincere question with respect for the student and a sense of understanding sometimes made the difference for me. That experience has always tempered my responses to those sometimes "stupid" questions. I would much rather a student feel comfortable enough to ask a stupid question - if it is sincere - than not ask anything. I am remembering one particular young lady as I write that. She asked questions that others frequently laughed about, but sometimes she just needed a little clarification to see things the right way. Sometimes her questions made it seem as if she were not paying attention, but that really wasn't the case. I guess my point is that a teacher should really understand a student before reacting sarcastically or dismissivly to a "stupid" question. Even then, the response shouldn't scare off another student.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com