IDK

I often see “IDK” written as an answer to a question on a worksheet, homework paper or test. 

For those out of the texting world, “IDK” means “I don’t know.”

For me, it’s like nails on a chalkboard. It irritates and annoys me. 

IDK tells me this student is not interested or engaged. It tells me the student is putting forth little-to-no effort in their work. 

Think about it, the student who writes this didn’t even make the effort to write out the actual, complete words. Heaven forbid they turn on that magnificent living computer in their skull long enough to really think about the question and compose a meaningful answer.

If you’re being asked the question, there must be a reason. It’s not like we pull questions out of thin air in order to stump you. Perhaps we went over it in class. Maybe it’s in the reading you didn’t actually read, but instead skimmed for answers? 

If you have been in class, you must have some tiny scrap of information to start with…then, in light of that bit of data, maybe give it some concentrated thought, and come up with something…anything but IDK.

IDK tells me this student gave the question about a tenth of a second of thought and if the answer didn’t leap to the forefront of their thinking in that time, they gave up and moved on.

This level of effort is disappointing at best. It shows no perseverance, no mental toughness, no willingness to fight through challenges. And those attributes, more than anything else - more than knowledge, intelligence or education -  are the leading indicators for success. Success in school, at work, and in life, is all about overcoming challenges.

Today, the challenge may be a difficult question on your science homework but this is easy stuff compared to the problems that lie in wait down the road for you. Develop and grow your mental toughness and perseverance and you’ll be better equipped to meet and overcome those problems in the future.

The recipe for success is not IDK.