The teacher is the chief learner in the classroom

"The teacher is the chief learner in the classroom"   - Donald Graves

I have been learning this over and over again. From the time I started Teaching to the time where I am now, I have realized that more I teach, the more I learn.
The learning process never stops and there is so much to learn from children itself. Whenever kids ask a question which is at times not known to us, don't deny the fact that you don't know the answer but go ahead and find about the same and give them the answer the next time.
 
There were some frequently asked Questions from some teachers and trainee teachers on the same as given below :

Q : I know everything in my subject matter?
A : Not everything, there is always a study going on somewhere in some part of the world which extends the scope of your subject matter.

Q : I am teaching from so many years to same standard ?
A : And you have different students every year with different shades of experiences and intelligence and if you won't open your mind and still keep on thinking that you know it all, you won't realize that each time a child ask you a question you are bound to learn new things.

Q : How can I learn more while I am teaching ?
A : Follow these steps
1. (UNDERSTAND) Understand that you don't know everything
2. (CONFESS) Confess to the students that you don't know about that aspect
3. (PROMISE) Promise that you will check the same and get back to them
4. (ACTION) Take steps to find the relevant information
5. (COLLECT) Collate the information in the understandable format
6. (SHARE) Disseminate the information to the students
7. (CHECK) Collect feedback of the relevance of the Information
8. (AMEND) Reformat the Information according to the Feedback received
9. (FINALIZE) Make it ready for the next time / class. 


Q : How shall I confess to student that I don't know something which they have asked ?
A : Simple, just tell them that you have not come across this part of the information and let them know that you will lookout for the information and get back to them.

Q : I will feel like a fool and ignorant ?
A : No, Kids are more understanding they don't have Ego's to put anyone down on purpose, they have a curious mind and you just need to channelize their energies. 

Q : Still I don't want to look ignorant infront of kids ?
A : Best way to help children is awaken their curiosity and led them to the right source of information and ask them to collect the details and share with you. In this way you don't have to worry about your ignorance of the subject and they still get coached by you.

Q : If I won't give the information, won't they think I don't know what they want to know ?
A : Kids are so enthusiastic and full of life, you can tactfully make this a game and give a small information which shall enlighten their curiosity and then enthuse them to find the rest and share with the class. Give this as a homework and who so ever gives the information next day, reward him. You will find more and more children are participating each day.

These are few of the questions and answers from my experience, I would like to hear more from your end and will welcome any thing that you all have to add and share with us all here. Please come forward and help each other in enlightening each other's enthusiasm and inspire each other with what we have learnt in our experiences.