Teaching and Learning

Best way of teaching is by learning.

When we learn we are open to exploring, analysing and ready to find something new to add to what is known. Instead of learning quietly one can make it learning openly, allowing others to observe and react and aid in learning. To start and sustain the process of open learning one needs to have courage to ensure that our fears do not come in the way. Fear of loosing higher pedestal, respect, job, opportunity etc.

When people around us observe this method of learning, they become interested, find it easy to communicate and join the process.

When we start teaching we assume the position of a speaker. Our thoughts start reverberating in the mind space and it becomes difficult to listen. Hence it becomes a monologue. Without listening it is not possible to learn or make others learn since during the process the communication is most of the time one way.

While teaching we also assume a position of knowing all about it. Since knowledge on any subject is never finite this position is a false position and therefore obstructs learning.

In any learning environment the participants are at different levels of knowledge. There is no one completely ignorant and will have some impressions in his mind (leaving aside the jargons) if not the reservoir of information. At the same time there is no one who has complete and final knowledge since knowledge is infinite. The knowledge should be allowed to flow freely in order to enrich from each mind and become more substantial.

The one who takes the responsibility to conduct the learning session needs to only share his knowledge and provide direction so that the contributions from everyone remain relevant.