If you're a TEACHER OR PROFESSOR ...are you ever WORRIED THAT YOU MIGHT JUST BLANK OUT?

Question

and not be able to solve a question that somebody asks or might forgot how to do something really simple...or make a mistake in front of your class.

Answer 1

It happens to teachers and professors all the time.  You explain that it has been a long time since you have had to do one of these, and you need a minute to collect your thoughts.

Then change the subject, and look it up after class.

Answer 2

Just say "Thats a interesting question. It goes beyond the scope of this presentation but future works may deal with it".

Universal answer.

Answer 3

Sure, and it happens.  College students understand that, for the most part.  You can't know everything, and not every solution is obvious at first.  But as long as you get most of it right, and either find a way to stall or, my professors' favorite, make it into an assignment for the student to look up, you'll be fine.

Answer 4

I am teacher and I do it all the time, because as they say, kids say and ask the darnest things. If they ask a question I don't know the answer to, I tell them thats a very good question, I don't know but I will find out for you and let you know. If I say something backwards or crazy, I'll make a joke out it with the class, and we all get a laugh. If I forget how to do something, I'll tell the class to give me a minute because I got stuck on stupid, of i'll say I need a helper, who wants to help me remember. If I am extermely tired I will let the class know upfront, I may forget a few things, but we'll get through this together. They are fine with it. My kids think I'm crazy anyway (in a good way).

Half of the time they ask questions that have absolutley nothing to do with whats being taught at the moment.

Answer 5

Making errors or forgetting things is human nature. Nobody is perfect - the key is not worrying about it. When I taught, I made mistakes. Students quickly learned that if they pointed out my errors, I'd award them bonus points. I'd explain that I did that because I wanted them to ask questions. If I messed up and nobody questioned me about it - then that'd be REALLY confusing.

Making a mistake or forgetting something makes you real. Of course, don't make a habit of it - but at least your students may be able to relate to you some.