Ways Teachers Avoid Saying “No.”

“What does the rest of the class think?”

“I hadn’t thought of that before, but…”

“I suppose it’s possible.”

“Well…”

“I see where you’re coming from.”

“I guess that’s an interpretation.”

“Anybody else?”

“You may be stretching things a little.”

“That’s probably a topic for another time.”

“Well, remember this is a translation, so…”

“I’m not sure that’s the way I would put it.”

“Could you repeat that? I’m not quite sure I got what you were saying.”

“Do you think that’s what he means by that?”

“Where are you going with this?”

“I don’t remember that part of the book.”

“Well, be careful with that.”

“I’m not sure I follow.”

“Hmm. I wasn’t expecting that.”

“Do you all agree with that?”

“I like your creativity.”

“Explain.”

“What makes you say that?”

“I’m not sure that’s really relevant here.”

“What does the text say?”

“C with moments of C+.”