lonewolf
With your emphasis on scan (kudos), and your teaching experience, the question asked by PF can mean only a couple things. With a nod to possible translation and linguistic issues, "Was I descending then?"
1. From your PFD, can you tell? (poor technique?)
2. Did you feel a descent? (not the proper time for flight by butt cheek?)
3. A student asking for direction, rather than a PIC?
All are unacceptable?