The Best Way to Learn

The best way to learn about something is not necessarily the easiest way. Here’s a thought “If you want to learn about something volunteer to teach someone else about that subject.” Yes, I do practice what I preach. My advice over the past couple of decades has always been that the best way to learn something in–depth is to teach others about it.

You could volunteer to teach a class at your Woodturning club, your woodworking club, your local high school or middle school, or some other church or civic group. You may just want to teach one or two other people in your own shop. Why is this such a good way to learn, especially when you’re starting at or near a zero knowledge base? Because the preparation necessary is the same with you already know about a subject or not. You must prepare examples at all stages of completion, usually accompanied by written instructions even if there are in the form of an outline. You must prepare a list of all the tools and supplies needed for the project and be able to present it in a logical sequence. In order to avoid embarrassment you will have to practice enough to become proficient yourself. At the end of your teaching session, presentation, or demonstration you will know the subject. This is kind of like enforced discipline. We are actually capitalizing on that age old motivator “fear of embarrassment/rejection”.

As I write this I have finished all the preparation for a local turning club demonstration tonight. My subject is “Mason jar lids on your Woodturning lathe”. I have posted my class handout along with a fairly comprehensive photo album on my website www.RonBrownsbest.com under the Free Downloads section. I am making it publicly available as another free service to my customers. Although I have made lots of Mason jar lids, I still had to go through all of the preparation described above. It was good for me and I think you’ll enjoy it also.