Showing others how to do something by demonstrating or explaining how to do it (teaching) is intended to enable them to gain or acquire knowledge (learning).

Surprisingly though, teaching is not just a way to help others learn but the very act of teaching others can create a valuable learning opportunity for ourselves.

Those that do not learn from the teaching experience probably are not the best teachers.  When teaching is just a one-way communication it becomes more rote learning then the acquisition of knowledge.

Embrace the Learners

Teaching others is best when not treated as a hierarchy, that is phrases like  “I know stuff you don’t”, “I am the expert”, “Treat me with respect” all tend to put the teacher on a usually unjustified pedestal and close the learning experience.

Learning is a two-way street.  Just as we expect the students to embrace the experience and gather information (learn) we ourselves should embrace the student and learn from them.

Our own learnings can range from interpersonal relationship skills to innovative ways to view the knowledge we are sharing.  Leveraging the intellectual property of others opens many new realms of possibility.

Outside the Box

The traditional relationship between teacher and student is strictly role-based and restricts our ability to grow the knowledge base collaboratively.

Everyone is important and everyone has great value to add to the body of knowledge that is human life.  Embrace your opportunity to both teach and learn simultaneously.

To do otherwise is a lost opportunity.