It’s Okay to Say “I Don’t Know”
*Disclaimer: The following is an opinion post, and may not resonate with all readers.
Sometimes the smartest person in the room is the one who does not know the answer.
Is it okay for a learner to say “I don’t know?” Many learners of all ages learn something new everyday. Since this is the case, it means that not all learners will know everything that needs to be known. There is often a stigma around adults who say that they do not know the answer. On the other hand, there are young learners who fear that they will be mocked for not knowing all the answers. Those who do not know have an opportunity to learn more.
What it Means to not Know
When a learner states that they do not know, it does not mean that they are not smart. When a learner states that they don’t know, it means that they lack the knowledge and sources which can help them to know. Knowledge and sources can come from books, teachers, mentors, or from experience (it is not only confined to these sources).
When a learner admits that they do not know something, then this gives them the opportunity to learn something new. The learner however, should be open to learning, and should avoid being embarrassed, or arrogant.
The Embarrassment
Some learners will feel ashamed about their lack of knowledge, because they fear that others will view them as inferior, or unintelligent. Their feelings are valid, regardless of age, and should not be stigmatized. If a learner feels embarrassed about their lack of knowledge, then their feelings should be acknowledged. Once their feelings are acknowledged, then they have the opportunity to learn more. If a learner is engulfed by their embarrassment to the point where they are not open to learning, then their emotions should be validated. This means that the learner needs time to process their embarrassment
The Arrogance
An arrogant learner is someone who’s sense of self is inflated to the point where they believe that they do not need to know more than what they already know. Some learners (regardless of age), will be too arrogant to admit that they do not have the knowledge. This means that an arrogant learner will not have the opportunity to learn some thing new, but their arrogance should be acknowledged. Too much arrogance will not only prevent the learner from opportunities to learn, but this will prevent their academic growth.
Solutions
- Do not assume that a learner knows all of the answers. This can lead to embarrassment, as the learner believes that they are portrayed in a certain way, and thus cannot live up to that image.
- Do not tell any learner that they already know something. If a learner does not know the answer, then this puts a learner under pressure to figure out the answer with limited guidance or resources.
- Do not tell any learner that they are too old to learn something new. You are never too old to learn.
- Ask a learner if they know something, and give them time to respond.
- If a learner does not know the answer, then ask them if they are open to having the answer.
- If they are not open to having the answer, then they should not be forced any further.
- If they experience feelings of shame or embarrassment, then they should be given a chance to process their feelings.
Overall, every learner behaves differently when they lack knowledge, or do not know the answer to a question. Every situation should be handled on a case by case basis (i.e are they willing to learn?), but no learner should be put down for saying “I don’t know.”