Teaching: The Best Form of Learning

Teaching: The Best Form of Learning

It’s often said that teaching is the best way to learn, and this claim isn’t just a philosophical notion; it’s rooted in neuroscience, cognitive psychology and educational theories. Teaching compels individuals to thoroughly understand, organize and articulate information, reinforcing their own learning in the process. This article explores why teaching is such an effective method of learning, the science behind it, how one can adopt this method in self-directed learning and how ancient Vedic learning principles provide timeless wisdom on the subject.

Insights from the Vedic Way of Learning

The Vedic system of learning, rooted in India’s ancient traditions, emphasizes self-discovery, teaching, and experiential wisdom. Here are Vedic learning elements that align with teaching-as-learning:

1. Shravana, Manana, and Nididhyasana: These three steps—listening (Shravana), reflecting (Manana) and meditating/internalizing (Nididhyasana)—mirror learning, teaching and mastering knowledge. Teaching corresponds to the Manana stage, where reflection deepens understanding.

2. Guru-Shishya Tradition: The Vedic model involved reciprocal relationships between gurus (teachers) and shishyas (students). Teaching was a crucial step for students to eventually become gurus, reinforcing the idea that teaching completes the learning cycle.

3. Vedantic Inquiry: The Vedantic practice of questioning and dialogue (seen in texts like the Upanishads) resembles modern teaching techniques. Asking questions and explaining answers were integral to learning.

4. Mantras and Repetition: Chanting and reciting mantras serve as teaching tools within oneself, combining verbalization, memorization and comprehension.

5. School and Home Balance: The Guru Parampara—a system akin to schools—emphasized listening and absorbing knowledge under guidance, while self-reflection and practice at home mirrored journaling and self-teaching. Writing and reading aloud at home completed the learning cycle, akin to modern teaching practices.

Why Is Teaching the Best Form of Learning?

1. Active Engagement: Teaching actively engages you with the material. You break down complex concepts, simplify them and explain them in a way others can understand. Research by John Sweller, the originator of the Cognitive Load Theory, shows that active engagement helps transfer information from working memory to long-term memory more effectively than passive learning methods like reading or listening.

2. Feynman Technique: Named after the physicist Richard Feynman, this technique emphasizes explaining a concept in simple terms, akin to teaching it to a layperson. If you struggle to explain something clearly, it highlights gaps in your understanding.

3. Metacognition: Teaching enhances metacognition—the ability to think about and regulate your learning. Preparing to teach forces you to identify knowledge gaps, evaluate understanding and seek additional clarity.

4. Reinforcement and Retrieval: A 2014 study published in the Memory & Cognition Journal demonstrated that teaching enhances memory retention. Frequent retrieval and repetition, integral to teaching, strengthen neural connections, boosting long-term retention.

The Science Behind Teaching as Learning

Neuroscientific studies suggest that teaching activates multiple brain regions. A 2018 study from the University of Tokyo found heightened activity in the prefrontal cortex (responsible for higher-order thinking) and the hippocampus (linked to memory) during teaching exercises. Verbalizing and contextualizing knowledge integrates cognitive processes like visual, auditory and motor functions, creating richer neural pathways.

The “protégé effect” further substantiates this idea. A study published in the Journal of Science Education demonstrated that students tasked with teaching peers performed better on tests than those learning solely for themselves. Teaching demands comprehension and accountability, motivating deeper mastery.

Adopting Teaching as a Self-Learning Strategy

School Learning can be substantiated by teaching self, How can you teach without a classroom or students? Here are practical ways to incorporate teaching into self-learning:

1. Journaling: Write explanations of concepts in your own words as if teaching an imaginary audience. Journaling clarifies your thoughts and creates a written record for future review.

2. Reading Aloud: Combine writing and reading for a complete learning cycle. In schools, you read and listen to absorb information; at home, writing and reading aloud solidify understanding. Writing journals and vocalizing the content mirrors self-teaching, activating both visual and auditory memory.

3. Digital Platforms: Use tools like blogs, YouTube or social media to explain what you’ve learned. These platforms make learning interactive by encouraging feedback from viewers or readers.

4. Teach to a Virtual Audience: Apps like "Explain Everything" or recording yourself on video can simulate teaching experiences.

5. Peer Teaching: Collaborate with fellow learners to teach each other. Peer tutoring is an excellent way to refine knowledge. Technology like Video conferencing can be very helpful and effective tool.

6. Mind Mapping: Create diagrams or visual aids to simplify topics. Mind maps mimic teaching by organizing complex information hierarchically.

The Role of Journaling

Journaling is a powerful supplement to self-learning. Writing forces you to process and structure thoughts logically, similar to teaching. It also fosters reflection, helping you evaluate your learning journey. Here are journaling techniques:

• Explain Concepts: Dedicate entries to explaining topics you’ve learned.

• Question and Answer: Write down potential student questions and answer them.

• Summaries: Summarize chapters, lectures or articles in your journal.

• Reading Aloud: Enhance learning by reading journal entries aloud. This practice engages auditory senses, making the experience dynamic and reinforcing material in memory.

The Way Forward

Teaching as a learning method offers numerous benefits, from deeper comprehension to longer retention. Here’s how to incorporate this philosophy into your life:

1. Embrace Curiosity: Start with topics that genuinely interest you. Passion enhances both learning and teaching.

2. Iterate and Improve: Remember that teaching is iterative. The more you teach, the better you understand and simplify concepts.

3. Combine Methods: Blend journaling, reading aloud, digital tools and Vedic learning principles for a holistic approach.

4. Engage in Dialogue: Seek communities to discuss and teach what you’ve learned. Platforms like Reddit, Quora, or study groups provide opportunities.

Take a Moment to Reflect

If the insights above resonate with you, take a moment to sit in a relaxed state. Breathe deeply, imagining life energy flowing in as you inhale through one nostril and stress leaving as you exhale through the other. May repeat this for several cycles. This simple practice will help clear mind, enhance concentration and bring clarity of thoughts.

References for Further Reading:

• Feynman, R. P. (1985). Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! Adventures of a Curious Character.

• Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive load during problem-solving: Effects on learning. Cognitive Science, 12(2), 257–285.

• Svinicki, M. D., & McKeachie, W. J. (2014). McKeachie’s Teaching Tips: Strategies, Research, and Theory for College and University Teachers.

• University of Tokyo (2018). Study on prefrontal cortex activity during teaching. [Link to study summary]

• Upanishads (Translated by Eknath Easwaran). Reflections on ancient Vedantic learning principles.

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Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice in education or cognitive science. The practices and techniques mentioned here may vary in effectiveness depending on individual learning preferences and contexts. Always consult with educators or experts for personalized guidance.