We often assume the answer to a problem lies in something we know. Seldom do we entertain the thought that the answer might be something we do not know.
Allow me to illustrate.
For instance, if you’re an English teacher like me, and a student consistently scores lower and lower in their standardized tests, you are likely to believe that your teaching is not being effective.
If you’re not an English teacher and you’re reading this, you probably hypothesized a different source for the problem.
A psychologist might think this student is facing a psychological learning difficulty. A child services agent might think there’s something going on at home. A materials writer might wonder if the issue lies in the material they’ve written. The test designer will likely question the design of the exam and its reliability and validity factors.
Alas, the student could be rethinking their study strategies.
And you know what’s funny? We could all be correct. Or even funnier, we could all be incorrect.
Assuming ignorance goes way beyond “all I know is that I know nothing.”. It is being humble enough to seek help from as much a diverse team as possible in order to bridge the gap between what is perceived and what is real.
ELT in Brazil 
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