Remembering what you know
One of my biggest challenges was trying to put into words the theories and practices I've used in the field for the last 15 years. These are the things we learned when we were training to work in the field, but become almost automatic after years of practice. I find myself sometimes having to relearn the material, which helps to bring these theories and practices back to the surface.
I know how stressful that can be..putting experiences into todays "lingo" todays students who need to understand what im talking about. its refreshing to re-read the material i onced learned about 15 years ago. I love it actually because im forced to relearn everything and refresh my memory. I love teaching!
Hi Christopher,
Good insight on developing your communication skills as a teacher. The idea of being able to share what you have learned through your career is a hard one, since as you say it has become automatic to you. That is why it is fun to slow down and think through how you learned those skills and how you can share this information with your students. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Hi Rosalyn,
I always enjoy hearing from teachers that really like their jobs. I know this has a real impact on the students as well. Keep you excitement and enjoy your teaching career.
Gary
I agree with you on this--we become so automatic at what we do over the years that having to go back to the start helps us to understand it more deeply.
what is the easiest way to remember skills you have learnt?
I find that the easiest way to remember the skills that I have learned is teaching them. They say you only remember about 20% of what you hear but for it to really become a part of you, you must use it. The more you use it the more it becomes a part of you.
I can attest to this! I teach a course that I have been working in for the past 20 years and some of the concepts, like you said, were just second nature. It is fascinating learning the terminology and correct concepts again. It keeps class interesting...
Hi Joe,
A number of ways. The key is use. Repeated use of a developing skill will increase long term memory retention. Once the skill is developed and memorized then it can become part of working memory where the learner can immediately perform the task because it has become a habit. If a person performs a task or series of tactile activities for at least 30 days then they are ingrained into their minds and become habits. This is what you are striving for.
Gary
I found that after being in my field for thirty plus years, becoming a teacher, I had forgotten so much of the basics, its fun relearning and passing it on to the students.
