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by u801e 2137 days ago
> Your not sharing it in a way that's understandable?

In my experience, people develop a better understanding of a particular concept if they take the time to figure it out for themselves rather than relying on someone to explain it to them.

3 comments

That's only true if certain conditions are met.

The person might not be able to figure it out on their own. That doesn't mean they're dumb; they just missed a particular intuitive leap that was easier for you.

The person might dive into it and learn it incorrectly. They might find something on the internet that seems to make sense, but isn't a good way of doing it. Then you have to clean up the mess their imperfect understanding caused, plus help them unlearn the wrong thing.

I think the best bit is somewhere in between. When learning something new, everyone should do some of their own research and self-teaching. But having someone knowledgeable to also teach can be essential, and if someone like that is available, I think it's wise for a self-learner to at least check their understanding with that person, early on.

Extensive research says your intuition that figuring out on your own is better than having someone explain it to you is wrong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1ib43q3uXQ

So teachers are counterproductive then? We should just throw books at kids and call it an education?