But Did You ACTUALLY Learn It?

Despite this blog having a strong focus on cybersecurity, this post pretty much applies to learning of all kinds.

I have taken martial arts at a few different times in my life. I have also tried numerous other difficult challenges, some physical and some mental. And whatever I was trying to learn there seemed to be a common thread that was shared. 

If you teach something, or even just try to, you will learn it faster. 

This is due to you being forced to examine your own understanding of whatever the task is in order to break it down into a digestible format for a beginner. In martial arts this translates to dialing in your form, being very controlled and precise in a complex kick for instance. You repeat the motion several times focusing on perfect execution in order to demonstrate. If you make a mistake, you call yourself out and explain what you should have done differently. This helps the students understand what went wrong, but you instill accountability in yourself as well.

I propose an exercise

Pick something you want to learn. Do as much studying on it as you think you need in order to understand it. Now teach it to someone you know, either a friend or family member. Online or in person, it does not matter. It doesn’t have to be something new either to be honest, you can test this with things you already know… or think you know at least.

An exercise like the one described above can help you refine your own understanding on a subject. Students always have a way of asking questions from their own viewpoints that throw even the most experienced instructors for a loop. I feel like every single class I have been in within the cybersecurity field, an instructor has fielded a question where they responded with “I don’t honestly know, but I will find out for you”. These moments are gold for both student and instructors alike, the instructor learns something new and refines their own understanding. And the students learn the same new knowledge point, but are also instilled with the fact that ‘learning doesn’t stop’.

I love learning new things, I find it very rewarding. But sometimes taking a step back and checking your own knowledge can reinforce that foundation you have been building on for some time.

Don’t Click Links From Strangers,

Bryce