When to Challenge Your Instructor: Techniques and Strategies
As students, we often find ourselves in scenarios where we believe our instructors may be mistaken or that their advice could be improved. Knowing when to challenge an instructor effectively is a crucial skill in academic and professional development. This article explores the ideal moments to seek clarification or correction from your instructor, with tips and strategies to ensure valuable learning outcomes.
Understanding When to Seek Clarification
Sometimes, an instructor's advice or guidance might seem outdated or incorrect, especially in fields that evolve rapidly. Understanding these moments allows you to engage in constructive dialogue with your instructor. Instead of directly challenging them, approach the situation by asking clarifying questions. This approach allows the instructor to guide the discussion and potentially reveal underlying nuances that you might have overlooked.
Example: A student in a boxing class who opts for a vertical fist instead of turning over their punches. The student acknowledges the instructor's expertise but questions the application of the advice in real-world scenarios. By phrasing the question as, 'Could you explain how turning over my punches could be beneficial in a real fight?' the student encourages the instructor to elaborate and possibly refine their own understanding.
Correcting an Instructor: The Approach Matters
When you have identified a potential error or a more effective approach, it's important to present your case carefully. Timing and respect are key elements in addressing such issues. One effective strategy is to bring up the issue during a natural break in the lesson, such as when the instructor asks for questions, or during scheduled office hours.
Example: In a math class, the instructor uses sine instead of cosine and provides incorrect answers. The student can approach the situation by asking, 'When I use the sine to solve this problem, I get the wrong answer. What am I doing incorrectly?' This question allows the instructor to identify the mistake, explain the correct approach, and prevent potential misconceptions from spreading to other students.
Foundational Learning and Complex Systems
Situations also arise where students and instructors work with complex systems or new technologies. In these cases, misunderstandings can occur, especially if the instructor is a part of the design process. Engaging with these issues requires detailed research and critical thinking.
Example: During a computer science course on a newly introduced language (Ada), a student and their team identified a subtle coding bug. Instead of immediately challenging the instructor, they spent several hours verifying their findings. They approached the instructor privately, ensuring that the issue was indeed correct and that no other teams had faced the same problem. This approach not only demonstrated the students' dedication but also fostered collaboration and a deeper understanding of the subject.
Strategic Approaches to Avoid Misunderstandings
To ensure that your interactions with instructors are constructive and effective, consider the following strategies:
Communicate privately: Approach the instructor one-on-one to discuss any issues. This avoids causing unnecessary embarrassment and allows for a more in-depth conversation. Provide evidence: If you claim to have found an error, provide concrete examples or evidence to support your claim. This shows that you have done thorough research and are not simply relying on intuition. Seek clarification: Instead of directly challenging the instructor, ask for clarification or provide an alternative perspective. This approach encourages a more open and collaborative dialogue.Case Study: The Ada Language Project
During a computer science course, the instructor introduced a new language (Ada). Despite the instructor's deep involvement in the language's design, a pair of students identified a subtle bug in the program. Initially, the instructor was dismissive but quickly accepted the report and credited the students for their diligence. This example highlights the importance of thorough research and polite, respectful communication in addressing issues with instructors.
By following these strategies, you can effectively engage with your instructors, enhance your learning experience, and contribute to a more collaborative and dynamic educational environment.