The great ancient philosopher Aristotle once stated, ‘Teaching is the highest form of understanding.’
This profound insight reveals the dual nature of teaching: it deepens our understanding and promotes personal growth,  benefiting both teacher and student.

In this article, we will explore how teaching sharpens your mental edge, enriching your knowledge as you guide others.
We’ll also provide practical strategies to effectively incorporate teaching into your life, enhancing both your professional and personal development.

Read on to unlock these insights!

Learning Through Teaching

Learning modes and methods
There are various learning methods depending on different mediums.
We can learn by reading, listening, watching, from a teacher in a classroom setting or in a different environment. We can learn from our observations of our experiences or from other people’s experiences. And lastly by teaching others we can gain a deeper understanding of the topic at hand. 

There are various learning methods and media like  book, audio, video, tele live presentation, live presentation, practice yourself on your own, practice with a mentor (supervised) or teach someone what you know.

Active and Passive Learning
Learning generally involves a combination of the active and passive approaches.

Passive:
Reading, watching, attending a seminar or learning from a teacher one-on-one are passive ways to learn.

Active:
Practicing what you learn, doing a project, solving a problem and teaching what you know  are active ways to learn.
There is substantial research indicating the benefits of active learning. One of them is :
Kolb, D. A. (1984). “Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development.” Prentice-Hall.
Kolb’s work on experiential learning theory emphasizes the importance of hands-on, active participation in learning for effective knowledge acquisition and retention.

If there is no way to learn directly one-on-one from a successful businessman or investor, the next best thing may be to read their book, watch their videos, or read their social media posts.

Power of Teaching
But what about teaching a beginner what you want to learn?
That is the ultimate way of learning because it includes all the other methods and forces you to be clear on your message, structure your learning according to the knowledge or education level of the student, and be knowledgeable enough to communicate the same idea effectively.

When we want to learn a new skill we start small, we learn the basic steps correctly and then repeat.

Feedback and growth
That is where the magic happens, when we repeatedly teach something to other people, every student will have a different reaction to different challenges and give different feedback.
These may be questions they may have on various topics on theory or the application.
If you do not know how to answer these you will say let me get back on this and you will learn and expand your knowledge base about the topic. This way not only you will help the student but you will learn the subject deeper and become an expert.

Essentially an expert is a person who has deep knowledge (theory or practical) on a subject.  Experts continuously expand their knowledge, solve complex problems, and contribute to the field.
You can be a Excel expert, if you know how to use excel better than the average excel user.

Discoveries
Imagine a scenario where a renowned productivity expert, David Allen, collaborates with a client facing an unconventional work schedule. Struggling with traditional time management tools could lead him to explore alternative approaches, discover the effectiveness of flexible systems, and even develop new resources for similar situations.Teaching is not just sharing knowledge; but an active exploration and discovery, fueled by the dynamic nature of knowledge.

Think of the self-development books of the 1920s, like Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich.” As the world evolved, so did human needs and conditions. Now we have many other self-help authors like Brian Tracy, Jack Canfield, Tony Robbins , each with their own contributions. Knowledge adapted with it, constantly reshaped through interaction and challenge. In the same way, teaching becomes a powerful feedback loop for the teacher.

There is a similar effect when we teach others what we know. The more we teach, the more we become aware of little nuances or different contexts. We adapt by filling the gap of knowledge in these areas, either by learning or by research and discovery. We also relish the positive impact we have made on the student’s understanding.

My heart is singing for joy this morning! A miracle has happened! The light of understanding has shone upon my little pupil’s mind, and behold, all things are changed! Anne Sullivan – teacher of Helen Keller

Feedback Loop for Growth:
Just as students benefit from receiving clear explanations and insights, the act of teaching itself acts as a feedback loop for the teacher. Challenging questions reveal knowledge gaps, prompting further research and deeper understanding. As Seneca the Younger reminds us, “While we teach, we learn.”

The benefits for the learner is that learning from a live person is better than trying to learn on your own, because you may interact with the teacher in real time by asking questions.

The benefit for the teacher is that the questions students ask provide feedback that tests the depth and breadth of their knowledge. Contrary to a student who passively listens to the teacher in class , the teacher is actively engaged by talking , writing, drawing, demonstrating the knowledge. Teaching promotes active engagement with the material, leading to better retention.

Improved Communication Skills
Effective teaching requires knowing the student or the audience and their knowledge level and mindset and adjusting our message accordingly. As teaching requires spending energy, we want to optimize the energy we spent in teaching others. We need to make complex ideas clear and concise.

Multifaceted Reality
Reality is multidimensional.
Through teaching, we encounter diverse viewpoints, challenging assumptions, and gain a more holistic understanding of the topic. Students offer fresh perspectives, while their struggles or successes reveal hidden complexities. This exposure to multifaceted reality enriches the learning experience for everyone involved.

Both teacher and student learn better with active engagement. 

Just as in Psychodrama techniques, we can learn and expand our understanding of reality by playing different roles, teaching allows us to adopt leadership perspectives, guide others, and empathize, with different viewpoints. This active engagement deepens our own knowledge and broadens our perspectives.

Confidence boost: Mastering content for teaching purposes increases self-confidence in knowledge and abilities.
The deeper your understanding, the stronger your belief in your ability to teach it effectively. This self-confidence fuels motivation and performance, creating a positive feedback loop.

Feeling like a fraud? Mastering content is an antidote to the Impostor syndrome. As you gain expertise, the gap between perceived and actual competence shrinks, boosting self-worth and reducing anxiety.

Effective teaching earns praise and respect from students and colleagues, providing external validation that solidifies internal confidence.

As James Altucher suggests in his book Reinvent Yourself, surrounding yourself with diverse learning groups can fuel your understanding. Engaging with mentors (“plus” group), collaborating with peers (“equal” group), and most importantly, sharing knowledge with those you can teach (“minus” group) all contribute to a deeper grasp of the subject matter. By explaining concepts to others, we solidify our own understanding, identify gaps in our knowledge, and refine our communication skills. This active engagement boosts confidence and leads to mastery.

Teaching as a Tool for Growth

Identification of weaknesses: Preparing to teach exposes personal knowledge gaps and areas for improvement.
Teaching unlocks our blind spots. Believing we know a subject is like seeing a blurry landscape. Preparing to explain sharpens the focus, revealing gaps and urging us to delve deeper.

Development of empathy: Understanding student challenges fosters empathy and effective teaching strategies.

Imagine standing before your students, not just as a teacher, but as their classmate. What anxieties would bubble up as you approach the unfamiliar terrain of this new subject? What connections could you draw, based on your own existing knowledge, to spark their understanding? How could you tailor your explanations to resonate with their unique learning styles and cater to their individual needs?

Leadership and communication skills
Leading a classroom improves leadership, communication, and public speaking skills. These skills are necessary in all aspects of life from our personal lives to our professional growth. Leadership is not just about controlling the students in a class but helping them learn the subject, making decisions like choosing teaching methods or handling behavioral issues, managing classroom dynamics. You are leading them to acquiring new knowledge.

A leader needs good communication skills like delivering clear and engaging lectures, listening and respecting others, encouraging active dialogue and conveying their message in a language and level that people can understand.  Good teachers are active listeners who use paraphrasing, and asking clarifying questions and also appeal to the emotions, inspiring them. While at university, I eagerly looked forward to attending the psychology class of a particular teacher because it was so much fun to listen to her, the stories she tells, her voice inflections and gestures was mesmerizing.

Teaching is essential not only for acquiring knowledge but also for developing the crucial skills that empower us to lead, connect, and motivate in all walks of life.

Personal growth:
The act of teaching can be transformative, promoting personal growth and self-reflection. When we actively participate in learning as a teacher our lives improve. Unlike solitary learning, teaching invites dynamic exchanges with others. Cooperation fosters growth and opportunities. The ideas , feelings, viewpoints of people whom we teach influence and cause us to ponder , reflect on ourselves and grow.

Recognizing our own knowledge gaps and areas for improvement increases our self-awareness. Student questions and diverse viewpoints challenge our perspectives and cause us to examine our own beliefs and preconceptions. seeing the world through students eyes helps us develop empathy and understanding with others

Furthermore teaching helps Making deeper personal connections: because of the communication skills honed in classroom Dealing with different learning styles and answering to student questions improve problem solving skills.

Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance. Confucius

Legacy building: Sharing knowledge creates a lasting impact and leaves a positive legacy on students.

In halls echoing with youthful curiosity, teachers ignite the spark of knowledge. Each lesson shared, each question answered, leaves an ember glowing in a young mind. Over time, these embers grow into flames, illuminating paths and shaping futures. 

Like in these examples:

Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher, revolutionized education by introducing the “Socratic Method,” encouraging critical thinking and open dialogue through questioning. His legacy lives on in countless classrooms worldwide, where teachers promote self-discovery and intellectual engagement.

Booker T. Washington, an African American educator founded Tuskegee Institute, emphasizing practical skills and self-reliance as crucial tools for racial advancement. His legacy lives on in countless historically Black colleges and universities, empowering marginalized communities through education.

Paulo Freire, the Brazilian educator challenged traditional schooling methods, highlighting the importance of critical pedagogy and empowering students to become active participants in their learning. His legacy inspires educators worldwide to promote social justice and liberation through education.

Maria Montessori: She established schools and developed her education methodology, her impact extends beyond direct classroom teaching. She designed unique learning materials to stimulate different aspects of development, still used in classrooms today. She recognized the importance of play in early childhood development and integrated it into the learning process.Her  work influenced educational systems globally, impacting countless teachers.

Lifelong Learning

We don’t have to be formal teachers to benefit from it effects on personal development. Education is a journey that lasts a lifetime, especially in our fast-evolving world. Graduating from school marks the beginning of continuous, practical learning.

By including teaching in our arsenal for learning, we gain advantage in personal relationships and professional environments , since teaching enhances planning, communication, and problem solving. To teach is to learn twice may be much more.

Imagine explaining something you thought you knew, then a student’s question ignites re-examination. Teaching becomes a catalyst for deeper learning, for both you and your audience.

Whether you are mentoring a new employee or teaching a friend a new skill, seeing the world through their eyes, empathy and understanding helps convey your messages more efficiently.

Managing a group of students, teaching them efficiently, answering their different questions this makes you better in dealing with people, a good speaker, innovative problem solver and leader.

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” Benjamin Franklin

Teaching Methods

Effective strategies for imparting knowledge

1. Focus on specific goals: What type of knowledge are you trying to impart? Technical skills, personal development, theoretical understanding? Tailoring your strategy to the specific goal will lead to better results. Well-defined learning objectives, structured lesson plans, and efficient delivery methods can reduce cognitive load and help students manage their time effectively.

2. Consider your audience: Whom are you teaching? Age, experience, preferred learning styles, access to technology – all these factors play a role in choosing the right methods. Adjusting  teaching methods to individual learning styles and preferences can empower students to manage their time effectively and succeed. 

3. Combine media and methods strategically: Don’t rely solely on traditional lectures or textbooks. Mix and match audio-visual, computer-based, and hands-on activities to keep learners engaged and cater to different learning styles.

4. Emphasize active learning: Passive learning (reading, watching) alone is often less effective. Encourage active participation through discussions, projects, problem-solving, and self-reflection.

5. Leverage technology: Online tools, simulations, and interactive platforms can significantly enhance the learning experience and provide opportunities for remote access and individualized learning, enhancing overall efficiency.

6. Include mentorship and supervision: One-on-one guidance and feedback can be invaluable, especially for complex topics or learners who need extra support.

7. Encourage collaboration and peer learning: Group activities, project-based learning, debates, and teamwork can encourage deeper understanding and communication skills, It can also boost student engagement and focus, leading to better information retention.

8. Evaluate and adapt: Monitor the effectiveness of your chosen strategies and make adjustments based on learner feedback and performance.

Engaging Teaching Strategies

Interactive Strategies:

• Debates and Discussions: Divide students into teams to take opposite sides of an issue or analyze a topic from different perspectives. Encourage respectful arguments and critical thinking.
• Role-Playing and Simulations: Recreate historical events, scientific experiments, or social scenarios to provide a hands-on and immersive learning experience.
• Case Studies and Problem-Solving: Present real-world scenarios or complex problems and challenge students to work together to analyze, diagnose, and propose solutions.
• Group Projects and Presentations: Collaborative projects allow students to learn from each other, develop teamwork skills, and practice effective communication.

Technology-Enhanced Learning:

• Flipped Classroom: Students learn concepts through pre-recorded lectures or reading at home, then come to class for interactive activities, discussions, and problem-solving.
• Gamification: Integrate game mechanics like points, levels, and challenges into your curriculum to motivate students and increase engagement.
• Interactive Whiteboards and Online Tools: Utilize technology to create visuals, polls, quizzes, and collaborative activities that keep students engaged and immersed in the learning process.
• Virtual Reality and Simulations: Immerse students in virtual environments to explore historical periods, scientific phenomena, or complex systems in an interactive and engaging way.

Creative Approaches:

• Storytelling and Narrative: Use stories, case studies, and historical anecdotes to illustrate concepts and bring lessons to life.
• Art and Music Integration: Use creative activities like drawing, painting, or composing music to explore concepts and deepen understanding.
• Field Trips and Experiential Learning: Take students outside the classroom to museums, historical sites, or other relevant locations to experience learning firsthand.
• Guest Speakers and Mentorship Programs: Invite guest speakers from the real world to share their experiences and expertise, or connect students with mentors for personalized guidance and support.

By incorporating engaging teaching techniques, you can make learning an active, exciting, and rewarding experience for your students!

Applications and Examples:

Traditional Education

Education began long ago with scribes teaching students, similar to craftsmen shaping precious metals. Monasteries served as early classrooms where scholars wrote and discussed ideas. During the Medieval period in Europe, universities emerged, featuring lectures by masters to apprentice students. The invention of the printing press made knowledge more accessible, sparking the Renaissance era’s drive for discovery and exploration. The Industrial Revolution led to the creation of standardized education to train workers for factories.

In the traditional education system, classrooms are like workshops where experienced teachers use curriculums and teaching methods to pass knowledge to students. Success is about mastering the subject, effectively using knowledge, and preparing as skilled future professionals.
However, this traditional approach faces challenges today. It raises questions about whether these methods and curriculums can meet current needs and adapt to new developments and requirements.

Informal Learning
In casual learning spaces, mentors and coaches act as guides, not directors. Learners have freedom to explore, crafting skills through trial and error. Knowledge grows naturally through shared experiences, discussions, and hands-on challenges. Self-discovery leads to confidence, shaping lifelong learners. This flexible approach adapts well to our fast-changing world. It embraces new methods, encourages collaboration, and shifts the conversation from just “what to learn” to “how to learn together.“

A few Real-world scenarios: Sharing expertise in any field, from hobbies to professional settings

Photography Insights:
Professionals showing composition, lighting and storytelling techniques to enthusiasts.

Entrepreneurial Mentorship:
Business owners mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs through one-on-one coaching empowering them to build successful ventures.

Culinary Knowledge Exchange:
Bakers passing on the art of sourdough.

Musical Guidance:
Musicians mentoring budding pianists through sonatas. 

Coding Clinics:
Programmers offer online code clinics to help aspiring developers, answering questions and debugging live coder’s projects.

Gardening workshops: Experienced gardeners sharing tips on soil preparation, composting, and sustainable vegetable growing, empowering novices to cultivate their own green space.

Book clubs: Seasoned readers leading discussions on literary themes, character analysis, and authorial styles, enriching participants’ understanding and appreciation for literature.

Doctors guiding medical students through rounds: Sharing clinical expertise, diagnostic reasoning, and patient interactions, shaping future generations of healthcare providers.

Sales teams incorporating peer coaching: Experienced salespeople offering constructive feedback on pitches, client interactions, and closing techniques, elevating team performance through collective learning.

In Summary: The world resonates with a diverse exchange of knowledge, enriching lives in numerous fields, from igniting passions in hobbies to shaping the future in various professions. Each scenario represents a unique thread in the vast tapestry of shared expertise, demonstrating the universal impact of passing on knowledge.

Practical Ways to Integrate Teaching into Daily Life:

1. Craft a Personal Curriculum:
   • Reflect on your life and identify areas for learning and growth.
   • Choose topics aligned with your interests and needs, such as relationships, investing, or entrepreneurship.
2. Define Your Audience:
   • Identify individuals who lack knowledge in your chosen subjects.
   • Continue your learning journey while teaching others, connecting personal growth to your focus area.
3. Explore Diverse Formats:
   • Engage with online communities, forums, or social media groups related to your interests.
   • Extend your reach by offering help, answering questions, or initiating a blog or YouTube channel.
4. Encourage Peer-to-Peer Learning:
   • Organize study sessions or workshops with like-minded friends or colleagues.
   • Share expertise within a collaborative learning environment.
5. Volunteer Your Skills:
   • Contribute to non-profit organizations, libraries, or community centers seeking volunteers.
   • Teach specific skills to those in need, aligning with your expertise.
6. Learn and Teach Simultaneously:
   • Teach what you already know like website building and marketing to beginners.
   • Share insights gained through your learning process.
7. Teaching for Beginners:
   • Embrace the “beginner’s mind” philosophy.
   • Simplify complex concepts, ensuring clarity and adaptability to diverse learning styles.
   • Create a supportive learning environment by encouraging dialogue, questions, and experimentation.

Insights from Renowned Educators and Thinkers 

The idea that teaching and learning are interconnected is a recurring theme in educational philosophy. Several European philosophers have explored the relationship between teaching and learning.
Here are a few:

Socrates: As mentioned earlier, Socrates is known for his Socratic method, a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. Socrates believed in the importance of engaging students in discussions and questioning to foster independent thinking.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Rousseau, a French philosopher, argued for a naturalistic approach to education in his work “Emile, or On Education.” He emphasized the importance of allowing a child to learn through direct experience and discovery rather than through traditional instruction.

Immanuel Kant: The German philosopher emphasized the role of education in developing an individual’s potential. Kant believed that education plays a critical role in the moral and intellectual development of individuals. He saw teaching not just as a transmission of knowledge but as a way to cultivate reason and moral understanding.

John Dewey: While an American philosopher, John Dewey’s ideas have greatly influenced European educational philosophy. Dewey emphasized experiential learning and believed that education should be a process of active inquiry and problem-solving. He viewed education as a means of personal growth and social progress.

Paulo Freire: Freire, a Brazilian philosopher and educator, contributed significantly to critical pedagogy. His work, especially “Pedagogy of the Oppressed,” emphasized the importance of dialogue, collaboration, and the reciprocal relationship between teachers and learners in the educational process.

Maria Montessori: An Italian physician and educator, Montessori developed a revolutionary approach to early childhood education. She emphasized hands-on, child-centered learning and believed that teachers should learn from their observations of children. Her approach implies that educators grow in their understanding of child development through their teaching.

Lev Vygotsky: Soviet psychologist’s theories on cognitive development have had a significant impact on education in Europe and worldwide. Vygotsky believed in the social nature of learning and emphasized the role of more knowledgeable others (often teachers) in guiding a child’s learning. His concept of the Zone of Proximal Development implies that teachers, in scaffolding (guidance and support) student learning, also enhance their own understanding of the student’s abilities and the learning process.

Challenges and Overcoming them

Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking:
Many people fear public speaking due to anxiety about being judged. To overcome this, practice is key. Start with small groups and gradually increase the audience size. Preparation and knowing your material well can boost confidence. Additionally, visualization techniques and focusing on the message rather than the audience can help alleviate fear.

Example) An art student conquered stage fright by presenting their work at open mics, starting small and building confidence with each performance.

Adapting to Different Learning Styles:
Learners process information differently – some visually, others audibly or kinesthetically. To adapt, use a mix of teaching methods: visual aids for visual learners, discussions for auditory learners, and hands-on activities for kinesthetic learners. Understanding and recognizing these styles can enhance the effectiveness of your teaching.

Example) In science class, microscopes sparked kinesthetic learning, while interactive simulations engaged visual learners and lively debates ignited auditory learners.

Handling Difficult Questions and Challenges:
Encountering tough questions is inevitable. Stay calm and acknowledge the question’s value. If you don’t know the answer, admit it and offer to find out, or turn it into a group discussion. This approach shows honesty and encourages a collaborative learning environment.

Example) When stumped by a coding problem, the teacher didn’t sweat it, but turned it into a collaborative puzzle, uniting the class in a triumphant “aha!” moment.

Maintaining Motivation and Engagement:
Keeping both yourself and your learners motivated can be challenging. Set clear, achievable goals and regularly acknowledge progress. Engage learners by incorporating interactive elements and relating the material to real-life scenarios. Variety in teaching methods also helps maintain interest.

Example) History lessons transformed into exciting treasure hunts, maps leading to hidden clues that unlocked fascinating discoveries.

Finding Effective Teaching Methods:
Effective teaching methods vary based on the subject, audience, and context. Experiment with different approaches like storytelling, problem-solving tasks, or technology integration. Feedback from learners is crucial to understand what works and what doesn’t. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to finding the most effective methods.

Example) A chef instructor ditched rote recipes and replaced them with “mystery ingredient challenges,” forcing students to experiment and unleash their culinary creativity.

Conclusion

From baby robins learning to fly under the watchful guidance of their parents to young dolphins learning the art of using tools to crack open shellfish, nature offers a mesmerizing display of the inherent act of teaching. It’s woven into the fabric of life, a constant exchange of knowledge and experience that benefits both sides.

So, what will you teach? And what transformation awaits, both for your students and for your own evolving self? Remember, in the act of teaching, you not only empower others, but you embark on a transformative journey of your own, one that refines your skills, fuels your creativity, and strengthens your connection to the world around you.

Resources

Movies about Teachers and Benefits of Teaching