Can Teaching Be Learned or Is It Innate?

Teaching is often seen as a noble profession that requires a blend of natural abilities and acquired skills. But can teaching truly be learned, or is it something that is deeply rooted in our nature from a young age?

Understanding Teaching

To embark on a teaching career, one must first attain a high level of expertise in the subject they wish to impart. This can be achieved through degrees and practical experience, such as working as a tutor or a school teacher.

However, there is a belief that some people are naturally more suited to teaching than others. This idea stems from the observation that very young children have an innate ability to mimic behavior and language they observe from others. While the act of learning is natural and inherent, the process of developing teaching skills is not.

The Innate Talent of Teaching

From the moment a child is born, their brain is capable of absorbing vast amounts of information. Through the use of their senses and body, children gradually become comfortable and adept in their environment. While learning itself is not something that needs to be taught, the capability to learn and develop memory can be enhanced through various methods. However, learning how to effectively transmit knowledge is a skill that must be developed over time.

In many cases, this insight is evident in families where teaching runs in the blood. For instance, both of my parents pursued education through Teacher Training Colleges, and my mother being a product of the same institution, laid a solid foundation for their understanding of teaching. These experiences provided a foundation based on practical knowledge rather than purely academic qualifications.

The Role of Experience and Education

In later years, the central government’s decision to abolish Teacher Training Colleges and hand the task to universities was noted as a confirmation that teaching is an innate ability rather than something that can be manufactured purely through intellectual learning. A teacher, who is born with the right disposition, will absorb and apply knowledge well if they are intelligent but may feel frustrated if the focus is not on teaching effectiveness but on academic qualifications.

Universities often fail to equip their lecturers with the necessary skills to teach effectively. Many lecturers do not understand the art of teaching, as their role is to expect students to have prior knowledge. In contrast, a teacher spends time building a solid foundation so that the pupil understands the subject matter. A lecturer, on the other hand, may not care whether the pupil grasps the material.

Conclusion

While some are naturally inclined to teaching, the discipline of teaching requires continuous development and improvement. The key to being an effective teacher lies in the ability to connect with students, understand their needs, and facilitate their learning journey. Whether teaching is learned or innate, continuous learning and improvement are essential for success in education.