As an instructor, I think I should answer students’ questions individually during lessons. Sometimes, though, a question is new to me and far outside the syllabus, and I cannot answer immediately. Asking questions is a good habit, so I praise the student and start searching as soon as the lesson ends. Haha. Usually Google helps, but sometimes finding the answer requires reading a paper and takes time. Once I find it, I send a message to the group to explain. One reason for attending lessons is to resolve things students cannot work out alone, so I tell them to ask questions at least three times during a lesson. I asked many questions at school myself and bothered my teachers, but I think it is a good way to learn. I have been busy with many lessons recently and sometimes fail to follow up every question, for which I am sorry. The same students tend to ask regularly. One always stays after class to ask before going home. Their concentration is impressive. They rank among the top three in Chemistry and Biology and are often first in Chemistry. They ask so many questions during class that I sometimes have to postpone the rest until afterward so other students are not held up. Students who ask during lessons or stay afterward generally do well. I think it reflects their enthusiasm for learning.
The example above concerns IB Chemistry. I could not answer immediately in class, so I researched it afterward and replied promptly. Sometimes an instructor does not know the answer, but I try not to dismiss the question by saying it is outside the syllabus. I make an effort to find out and respond. It is hard work, but it improves both the student’s understanding and my own!