If a child in my class asks me, "Have you ever smoked marijuana?" how should I answer? I have smoked it many, many times. Should I lie and say "no"? I can't say yes, because I'll get myself in trouble, and if I say, "That's none of your business," well then I'm giving myself away a bit aren't I? This is not just about smoking pot. I am often naively asked questions that I can't answer without creating controversy. I hate lying, but these children aren't ready to process the complexities of many controversial topics.
2007-08-30 17:24:59 · 5 answers · asked by uncle 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
This is a great question. I'll be student teaching next semester and I'm more petrified of questions like these than any other.
Your first and foremost source for an answer should be the principal of the school you're teaching. I can almost guarantee that there is a policy regarding this sort of thing. If you do not get an adequate response, then ask a veteran teacher of that school for some advice.
When all else fails, remember that students see right through bulls**t. But that doesn't mean you have to tell them the whole truth. It's better to be vague and trying to turn the tables on them. Chance are they are asking because they either are curious about trying it, tried it and have questions about the experience or are looking to stall you from actually teaching.
If a student asks you if you've smoked pot, turn it right around and ask, "Are you asking me because you've tried it or because you're curious about trying it?" and either way you ask them why and make it a classroom conversation - this way it never gets personal. And if they hem and haw, drop the question and get back into whatever you're supposed to be teaching. Depending on the student who asked, you may want to follow up with mention of the question to their guidance counselor.
2007-08-31 04:09:50 · answer #1 · answered by aiygent 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take the 5th. Nothing like choosing to be silent about a certain topic.
2007-08-31 00:37:15 · answer #2 · answered by alomi_revolution 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell the class, "There are certain things that I can't discuss, because of my job as a teacher. We can discuss the idea in general, if you wish."
2007-08-31 00:30:39 · answer #3 · answered by embroidery fan 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Insist that all questions be asked in written format.
2007-08-31 00:33:04 · answer #4 · answered by Scozbo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dear,
as per Gandhian thought if you have not tasted, one does not know the taste of it.
simply say though i have taste but it good for smarter people like you, youngman.
2007-08-31 10:16:02 · answer #5 · answered by Nishikant 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋