5 answers
M.
Student
Los Ángeles, Bío Bío Region, Chile
7
Questions
Asked
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What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from teaching that you didn’t expect ?
Even if you thought for one lesson or an hour I want to know.
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5 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Ooh, that’s a good one! The most valuable lesson I've learned from teaching (and I didn’t expect this) is how much students actually thrive when they feel like their teacher is more of a friendly guide than some distant authority figure. They really shine when you create a space where they feel comfortable, where they can ask questions without feeling judged. It’s like the difference between them memorizing facts for a test and them genuinely getting something and being excited to learn more.
Plus, I’ve learned that even just one moment of being real with them—sharing a laugh, offering a bit of advice, or just showing that you see them as a person—can make a huge impact. Students don’t just want knowledge; they want connection. When teachers bring that warmth and a little bit of their personality to the table, it totally shifts the dynamic. It’s not about just teaching the material—it’s about creating an experience that helps them grow as people.
So yeah, students really do appreciate a teacher who’s also a friend. You get the best of both worlds that way!
So, besides the whole “be a friend” vibe, another valuable lesson I've learned is how much patience is really key. Like, I thought I was patient, but teaching really tests it. You’ve got to give students time to process stuff, to screw up (and be cool about it), and to figure things out at their own pace. It’s like being a personal trainer, but for brains. 😂 Sometimes you gotta repeat things 1,000 times and get creative with how you present it. Patience is basically your superpower when teaching!
From a skill perspective, though—besides the patience—it’s all about flexibility. Every student learns differently, so you have to be able to adjust how you approach things. If something's not working, you gotta pivot, like a ninja! 🥷 Whether it’s switching up methods, using humor, or telling a crazy story to make things stick, being flexible is key. And, trust me, it makes you way better at handling unexpected curveballs, whether it’s a student question you didn't see coming or just a random classroom chaos moment. 😂
So yeah, skill-wise? Patience and flexibility—basically, you’re like a learning ninja with a lot of calm energy. 😎
Good luck and all the best buddy! 😉
Plus, I’ve learned that even just one moment of being real with them—sharing a laugh, offering a bit of advice, or just showing that you see them as a person—can make a huge impact. Students don’t just want knowledge; they want connection. When teachers bring that warmth and a little bit of their personality to the table, it totally shifts the dynamic. It’s not about just teaching the material—it’s about creating an experience that helps them grow as people.
So yeah, students really do appreciate a teacher who’s also a friend. You get the best of both worlds that way!
So, besides the whole “be a friend” vibe, another valuable lesson I've learned is how much patience is really key. Like, I thought I was patient, but teaching really tests it. You’ve got to give students time to process stuff, to screw up (and be cool about it), and to figure things out at their own pace. It’s like being a personal trainer, but for brains. 😂 Sometimes you gotta repeat things 1,000 times and get creative with how you present it. Patience is basically your superpower when teaching!
From a skill perspective, though—besides the patience—it’s all about flexibility. Every student learns differently, so you have to be able to adjust how you approach things. If something's not working, you gotta pivot, like a ninja! 🥷 Whether it’s switching up methods, using humor, or telling a crazy story to make things stick, being flexible is key. And, trust me, it makes you way better at handling unexpected curveballs, whether it’s a student question you didn't see coming or just a random classroom chaos moment. 😂
So yeah, skill-wise? Patience and flexibility—basically, you’re like a learning ninja with a lot of calm energy. 😎
Good luck and all the best buddy! 😉
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1772
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
M.,
I was responsible for teaching classes to unemployed jobseekers. The agency had created a powerpoint presentation that I was required to use. They also gave me a list of things I was required to cover in each class. Initially, I felt like a robot: "If they are going to tell me what to do and how to do it, why don't they just make a video and I can answer questions at the end?" I thought to myself. Being new to any sort of teaching, I felt frustrated.
However, once I got used to the idea of public speaking (yikes!) I started playing around with the presentation. I found ways to make it "uniquely mine" while covering everything I was required to cover in the time allotted. So, what I learned was, it IS possible to have it ""both ways" - doing what they wanted me to do, as well as what I wanted to do.
Why did this matter so much? Because the agency's presentation was BORING! People don't learn if they are bored. I had them laughing. I got them to be open to the idea of learning. I got them to accidentally learn while they were having fun. I made a mandatory class feel a whole lot less like a punishment.
Surprisingly, my "by the book" retired military boss actually rated my class presentations as one of the highest in his tenure with the agency. Honestly. I'll never understand that!
In all fairness, credit for my belief in making learning fun has to go to Mr Smith, my 8th grade Social Studies teacher. In his class I learned the names and locations of all the countries in the world!
good question!
Kim
I was responsible for teaching classes to unemployed jobseekers. The agency had created a powerpoint presentation that I was required to use. They also gave me a list of things I was required to cover in each class. Initially, I felt like a robot: "If they are going to tell me what to do and how to do it, why don't they just make a video and I can answer questions at the end?" I thought to myself. Being new to any sort of teaching, I felt frustrated.
However, once I got used to the idea of public speaking (yikes!) I started playing around with the presentation. I found ways to make it "uniquely mine" while covering everything I was required to cover in the time allotted. So, what I learned was, it IS possible to have it ""both ways" - doing what they wanted me to do, as well as what I wanted to do.
Why did this matter so much? Because the agency's presentation was BORING! People don't learn if they are bored. I had them laughing. I got them to be open to the idea of learning. I got them to accidentally learn while they were having fun. I made a mandatory class feel a whole lot less like a punishment.
Surprisingly, my "by the book" retired military boss actually rated my class presentations as one of the highest in his tenure with the agency. Honestly. I'll never understand that!
In all fairness, credit for my belief in making learning fun has to go to Mr Smith, my 8th grade Social Studies teacher. In his class I learned the names and locations of all the countries in the world!
good question!
Kim
Thanks for the help.
M.
Oh, 100%, Kim! Teaching straight from a boring script is like reading a bedtime story, buuuut for yourself because you’re the one falling asleep. 🥱 Truly! Gotta keep it fun, or else the only thing students will learn is how to nap with their eyes open! Love how you turned it into an experience instead of a punishment. 👏 Also I totally should say about your military boss, thats how they are 😏 UNPREDICTABLE! Like you don't know what they really want to see. right?! Maybe deep down, he was actually vibing with the fun but had to keep up the “serious boss” act. Or you were just that good he couldn’t deny it. Either way, total win! 😂 But keeping something engaging by just being yourself, well,
Honestly, that’s the real magic, just by being 'you' ! No script can beat that. 🔥
Dr H
Thanks Dr H!
Kim Igleheart
Marylou DiFilippo
Actor, Teacher
65
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Marylou’s Answer
Seeing my students go forward and succeeding! What a great gift for a teacher. I taught 2 years after college in a high school in 1977. (I’m old). To this day, so many of those students, (I taught acting) have gone on to have successful careers in the business. Either as performers, directors, stage managers, you name it.
I then taught at several universities whilst working as a professional actor.
I’m still in touch with so many of them. Watching them follow their dreams is the greatest gift a teacher can have.
“Follow your Bliss”. Joseph Campbell. Look him up. You won’t regret.
Carry On!
~Marylou
I then taught at several universities whilst working as a professional actor.
I’m still in touch with so many of them. Watching them follow their dreams is the greatest gift a teacher can have.
“Follow your Bliss”. Joseph Campbell. Look him up. You won’t regret.
Carry On!
~Marylou
Thanks for the help.
M.
Denise Anne Magyar
Sommelier
1
Answer
Mattituck, New York
Updated
Denise Anne’s Answer
I have taught in many different areas. However, the lessons I have learned come down to two things. Number one: The more I teach, the more I realize how much more there is to learn. After 30+ years, I still find myself scurrying to my bookshelf of reference material. Number two: Teaching is a dynamic field. There is never one answer to any question. As well as there is never one answer that will trigger that 'ah-ha' moment in every student.
Ian Kincaid
Business Analyst / Vendor Management
3
Answers
Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Updated
Ian’s Answer
People learn in different ways. The more you teach, the more you understand what works and what doesn't, which makes sense. What I didn't realize before was that it can change from student to student. This has made me think about the best way for me to learn and how to change my teaching style to fit each person's needs.
Thank you so much, Ian!
M.