Teaching From A Social Viewpoint

Gnomie Ben Wright writes:

Hello, Chris!

I have noticed on many of your YouTube videos that you love to bash your own teaching skills, often referring to how you have been kicked out of your family’s will over arguments about Outlook Express, etc. I come to you today with some tips on how I teach people. The main trend I see that annoys and baffles both students and teachers is superiority. Whenever I am teaching someone I act as their equal and not their superior. I listen to the problem, and wait for them to completely finish before I even begin to answer the question. A short pause after the question has been asked no matter how simplistic it may seem shows the student that you are really taking their query into consideration. After this, start out with a simple overview. Tell them of the things you are going to use to solve the problem and follow KISS (Keep it Simple, Stupid). For instance, I don’t bother telling “non-techies” about Launchy or even Windows+Run, instead I would recommend something that fits the needs of the individual and not a wider generalization as I find you often address to the community (e.g. ObjectDock freeware — check it out!). With your videos it is obviously the purpose to generalize as you are addressing a wide audience, but on an individual level it is best to try and address the need of the person you are trying to help.

Be calm and relaxed. You’re teaching the person because you want to; don’t act like it’s a chore or that you are a 1337 hackzor. Be enthusiastic and humble at the same time. Once you have told them how you think (try to phrase the answer as a personal opinion, don’t act as if you know exactly what they want) you can solve the problem, ask them if that’s okay, or if they have any problems. You will be surprised how much you can glean from facial expressions at this point and you will be able to tell if they are confused, or at least they will have the opportunity to tell you. (Of course on the other hand they may think it’s way over the top). Then simply guide them through it as you install the software so they can see from beginning to end. Okay, you don’t have to wait around while the progress bars go by, but if they say they will be back in a second simply get off the computer and stretch your legs or something, so you don’t go ahead without them.

If they look bored, start talking about something other than the task at hand, and slowly ease them back into the issue. This little trick works really well with people who are not that enthusiastic about computers in general. Don’t look at the screen for too long after each couple of steps — look at them (in the eyes). Make sure they understand. Once the program is all up and running, don’t run off. Ask them to try it out; if they don’t have time, don’t pressure them (but it’s always a good way to prevent questions later on).

And that is how you teach people from a social viewpoint. I think this is what you are missing from your teaching ability; that’s why you’re such a good teacher through a camera and not, as you say, in a social scenario. Take this into account when teaching ya paps, ya mum, or Ponzi!

Oh while you’re reading, whats the link to the forums for Lockergnome? (It’s here!)

Tags: educational method, personal education, teaching style