What role does questioning have in a person's education?

Question

Should you doubt what your teachers teach you? Should you interrogate your teacher in order to learn best? And if you think that's ok, what point do you draw the line and give teachers/elders respect, and how much doubt is appropriate?

Answer 1

I agree with DCS about being uncomfortable with the word "interrogate."  Actually students have every right to ask questions of their teachers, that is what you pay your tuition fee for, to learn.

There are several types questions you can ask, three of which are worth mentioning here:  

1) Clarificatory are those that will allow your teacher to explain it again or give another example.  Good teachers welcome them.

2) What if's are scenarios wherein different factors produce different answers.  Intelligent teachers love them.  But since it will pose much of a challenge, mostly teachers will throw them back to you in the form of assignments.  You also have to be careful asking what if questions, because it is possible for you to betray your ignorance on the subject.  Intelligent what if's are good for everyone, students and teachers.

3) Challenge questions are those wherein you argue a point with your teacher to either correct an error or to prove a point.  Be selective with which teacher you will try these questions, because not all teachers easily admit mistakes.  Also try doing this in private and not in class.

Whatever the type of question, try not to interrupt a teacher while he/she is talking.  Teachers hate to be interrupted.  They usually provide a question portion at the end of every lesson.  

Also gauge the mood of your teacher first.  If he/she is in a bad mood, defer asking questions for the moment.  You will still have the chance later.

Learning is fun if the classroom activity is interactive, there is no fun when the teacher conducts a monologue.

I have been a school student for more than 20 years.  And another student of sorts for another 30 years when I worked.  You see, my answer applys also in the workplace wherein your supervisor or boss is the teacher.

I hope I have satisfactorily answered your question.

Answer 2

A truly good teacher loves questions.  If you question what the facts that they give you, then they should not abject.

I do say that I am uncomfortable with the word "interrogate."  That means that you are out to get them regardless of them being right or wrong and are only interested in making them look bad.  

There is a difference between interrogating and questioning.

Answer 3

Hmmm, for me, a student asking questions about what we are learning has never been a problem.  I like conversation, and a good class discussion is great.  I think where you draw the line is when you question how they are teaching or how they manage their classroom.  What makes me maddest as a teacher is when I am trying to deal with one kid and pull the, "well you let so-and-so do it..."  you know?  That drives me crazy!  lol  I always tell them to let me deal with it, once they get their degree they can do it, but until then let me do their job.  

What do you mean about doubt?  Do you doubt how they are teaching or WHAT they are teaching?