What is the best way someone taught you how to do something new?

Question

I am taking a class on improving your methods of educating a student (any kind). From your experience, what one or two things did some one do for you that really hit home for you? Did they listen well? Did they show you first? What do you like best about your teachers?

What is the best teacher you have ever had?

Answer 1

Everyone learns in different ways. I just finished a class (PADI scuba instructor coarse) in which we learned that some people learn better using images to relate to, some by reading, some learn better with "hands on" techniques, some through multi-media (interactive computer programs),...

There isn't a "better way" to learn other than learning in the best way that works for you or the best way that works for your individual students.

It boils down to getting to know each student and finding the best way for that student to learn.

Answer 2

Some people learn by being shown, and some learn by reading up on things. The hardest part about teaching can be figuring out which of these categories each of your students fall into.

Everyone has a trigger that suddenly turns the light of understanding on for them, and a good teacher develops an ability to find those triggers. There will be times, in any group you're teaching, that one single student just doesn't get it, no matter how you present it. This doesn't mean the person is stupid or unable to learn, it just means you have to try a little harder to find their trigger. Even the most intelligent person can develop a mental block about something that prevents their "getting it" it once in a while.

So to me, the best teacher is one that understands their subject so thoroughly that finding a way to help their students grasp it, or being able to present it from several different angles to the same result, ends with everyone in the class having successfully understood the subject matter.

I don't believe that a student's failure to learn is necessarily the student's fault, as long as they're at least trying to understand. It is very often a teacher's apathy that is the real problem.

I like very much the fact that you're looking for ways to improve your skills - it shows you really care, and that is major step forward.

Thank you.

Answer 3

I think the best way I've ever been taught to do something new was to watch my teacher do it, then have my teacher watch me do it, helping me along the way.

The best teacher I ever had was my grandfather. He was patient with me and taught me things the way I explained above.

Answer 4

the best way to teach something new...especially to a group... I feel is to see it hear it and say it..

ex 1+1=2
written out ..repeat it... show what it means
if you have ..ect.