Students need to know that we are all life-long learners, and no one knows everything. I would say “Wow! That’s a great question! Lets all work on that one, because I don’t know the answer and I love challenges like this! Let’s take 48 hours to work on this, and whoever comes up with the correct answer will get 5 bonus points! Of course, I will want to know your sources of information and how you found the answer, and I’ll be sure to let you know what I find too.” Depending on the age of the students, I would extend the activity as appropriate. Perhaps a brief essay on the question, including a simple bibliography, would be appropriate.

You might also be able to make it into a research activity to teach the students how to do research. Or it could open up new reading opportunities, or become an entire unit that you hadn’t planned on, and the students would love it because one of them came up with the idea!

How about the best of both options?

If it is related to the subject being taught, why not issue it as a challenge? Tell the students you are not sure of the answer, but will research it and get back to them as soon as possible. However, you should also tell them you are sure you can find the answer before any of them can find it. Students love to compete with a teacher. Give the students every opportunity to find the answer for themselves. When they have the answer, let them explain it to their classmates. (Have questions ready for them so the subject is explained thoroughly and the other students understand the answer.) Praise the students for their initiative and curiosity. Give them some reward that benefits their group or the entire class (points or free time, for example). The student doing the research will be a hero.

If you can, include the question as extra credit on the next exam.

Let the students know that learning comes with rewards.

I always admit if I’m not sure of an answer and tell the students I will consult with other teachers or do research to find out the answer. I don’t want to give an answer that may be wrong. I let my students know I am not perfect and that I do not know everything. They seem to appreciate the honesty and the fact that I will go the extra mile to answer their questions.

Is the question about the subject? If not, then you can tell the student, “Let’s get back to the subject!” and ignore him. If the question is on the subject, then as a professional educator, you better know the answer! If you don’t, then go home and do some research and FIND the answer. The next day in class, tell the student the correct answer.

First of all, be very proud. A student that stumps a teacher can be a GREAT helping tool in the classroom. Next, admit that you are stumped. Next, ask other students to help figure out the problem – brainstorm as a class (teacher included). If that doesn’t work, ask a colleague. Teachers aren’t supposed to KNOW everything; we’re supposed to know how and where to find the ANSWERS to everything!!

Give it to them as a homework assignment, then be sure to find out the answer yourself before the next day. Or just tell them you don’t know. Teachers can’t always know the answer to everything, and let them know that. There’s no law that I know of that says teachers can’t learn from students – if you’re honest with them, you’ll probably earn a good deal of respect from them.

praise the question and the child who asked it. Then either search out the answer together or have the student search out the answer while pointing them in the right direction. Praise them again when they present their answer to the rest of the class.

I get students who ask me lots of complex “how come?” questions. If I don’t know, I give them the question as homework-extra credit… but they have to find the answer before I do (I give them a head start…a day). Heck, sometimes I do know, but like to give them some detective work to do. Nothing better than having intellectually curious students!

If you are that school teacher and you value your profession you must go and search for that answer. So you will tell your pupil that you don’t know, but you will find out and get back to him/her. And by doing that you will be a good teacher!

You are honest, Tell the student that you will find out the answer. Get back to he student with the answer.

Honesty is always respected and the student wil be tickled pink that you did not know the answer but that she is special enough for you to get back to her.

It is a valuable lesson for both of you.