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Pace | Ownership | Innateness | Simplicity | Exactness
Many people believe that nothing is 100% certain, that everything is open to question. Others believe that there are some absolute certainties. Studying a subject in which nothing is certain, and all facts are questioned, can be very disconcerting. Have a listen to what these students think. Do you agree?
(Video transcripts can be downloaded here as a PDF)
What do you mean there is no right answer?
It can be very disconcerting when knowledge is uncertain. In many subjects, the answers are not fixed; they might change with context or depend on many factors. It is not unusual for students to become very anxious about making mistakes or looking foolish.
There MUST be a right answer!
Not everyone is comfortable with uncertain knowledge. Many people prefer subjects with right-or-wrong answers. Some subjects have definitive, certain answers that may be considered unquestionable truths. In most university courses, though, everything is open to challenge and questioning.
I came here to learn, if there isn’t a right answer what’s the point?
The feeling of uncertainty can be very demotivating for many learners. They want solid facts and conclusions on which to base their next steps, and too much speculation and disconnected information leave them feeling they are not making progress.