Responses to Difficult Questions in Question-and-answer Sessions of Oral Presentations by Students

Abstract

This paper examines methods for improving students’ reactions to misguided questions in question-and-answer (Q&A) sessions through interviews with university professors. The interviewees agreed that an ideal Q&A session is one in which students can receive constructive questions which deepen the understanding of the research topic. The interviewees stated that although they give advice to their students on how to answer questions, there is not enough instruction on how to deal with misguided ones. The interviewees gave five suggestions for how to deal with misguided questions, such as explaining inconsistencies in the question or restating their arguments. It is necessary to instruct students how to choose the most appropriate solution for each situation including proper use of non-verbal communication and para-language.