After school today we had a presentation by an educational company of educational books. The representative informed us that when teaching a new concept, we should never ask the children if they know anything about the topic before we have taught it. She explained that this creates the children's thinking that their teachers don't really know what is going on and are asking the kids to inform the teachers.
BUT...
When I was studying, our lecturers always told us that even when it is a new concept or whenever, whatever, however we should always ask the children if they know anything about the topic, what they know about the topic etc. so as to find out where their level is and to create interest in the topic to be thought.
WHICH ONE IS CORRECT?
I am of the opinion that to ask questions constantly arouses creative thinking and generates interest, but now I'm not sure because of this opposing thought that the kids may think I know nothing and that is why I am asking them.
???