That “yes” is the biggest lie in the classroom.

“Does everyone understand?”

The teacher asks.

The class answers together:

One student doesn't understand. 
Another is confused. 
A third is hoping the teacher won't ask them a question.

Why don't they speak up?

Sometimes it is embarrassment. 
Sometimes it is fear of being laughed at. 
Sometimes we simply assume that everyone else understands and we are the only ones struggling.

But asking questions is one of the simplest ways to learn.

A question can expose something you don't understand, clarify an idea and even help other people who were too shy to ask.

In fact, the “stupid question” someone is afraid to ask may be the exact question several people in the room are silently asking themselves.

Learning isn't about pretending to know everything.

It is about being curious enough to discover what you don't know.

So the next time you don't understand something, don't be too quick to stay quiet.

Raise your hand.

Ask.

You might be surprised by how many people are glad you did.

The lesson: Asking questions doesn't make you less knowledgeable. It gives you an opportunity to become more knowledgeable.