Learning Something New

Several months ago, I decided to teach myself Italian in preparation for a two week vacation I was taking this summer. While I enjoyed learning the language, I did find the process frustrating.

"No matter how he may think himself accomplished, when he sets out to learn a new language, science or the bicycle, he has entered a new realm as truly as if he were a child newly born into the world." -- Frances Willard

I think we sometimes forget how difficult and frustrating learning can be. The following quote is good advice as we think about how best to teach our students.

"Also remember that no matter your age, your experience in the field will be far greater than that of your students. Through your studies, you have internalized complex ideas about your subject that now sound "natural." Your students may never have heard of these ideas, and will need some time to absorb them. Anyone who has studied a subject for a long time, or is already used to teaching it, often forgets what it is like to learn something entirely new. Teaching from the standpoint of knowledge makes acquiring the facts of your field look easy. In order to stay in touch with how students experience your class, try learning something completely new yourself; or, try changing your class materials so that you explore a new topic along with your students. This keeps you on your toes as you teach, and also may lead to new insights to your subject that you and your students can discover together." (taken from website for the Center for Teaching and Learning at The University of North Carolina)