Question handling

Basic Rules

Rule 1: Every question need not be answered

Rule 2: Even if a question is to be answered, it need not be answered by the Resource Person

Rule 3: But every question MUST be responded

How do we handle?

Listen fully- do not start answering before the question is completed.

Repeat the question – this helps in Ensuring whether the question has

been heard correctlyAll the participants understand the

questionCheck if the question needs to be answered at all

Need not be answered Questions

Unrelated to the topic under discussionHypothetical questions raised on

practical issues Questions of the nature of cross-fireQuestions which pertain to the topics

handled by other resource persons; answer to which may or may not contradict the input by the other resource person

How to dispose them?

Tell them openly and politely; the question is outside the scope of the discussion. If it suits you, may offer to deal with it outside the session.

Regarding hypothetical questions, indicate its futility subtly and ask the class whether anybody else is interested in the answer

Cross-fire questions - Same as aboveIf the question pertains to input by some

other faculty, tell them of your professional constraint not to encroach

If it is to be answered…

Check whether it is the right time to answer.

If the question should rightly pertain to an area yet to be covered, you may tell the participant to raise the question at the appropriate session

You are at liberty to tell the participant to raise the question with the relevant faculty.

If to be answered then and there

After repeating the question, thank the participant for the question

Use it as an opportunity to cross check the quantum of learning that has taken place

Put the question to the classIf need be, give clues for the answerIf answered by the class, try to build furtherElse give the answer and consolidate further

Take careIf you are not sure of the answer, tell them

that you would check and come backNever give them a misleading answerIn respect of questions which do not have any

“the correct answer” clarify “this is how I would have handled the situation” or “my experience is ….”, etc.

Add the question to your Question bank if you have any.

If you do not have any question bank, develop one soon.

Any Questions Please?