Know Your Learner Before You Teach

Understanding a learner's existing knowledge and background is crucial in education. This foundation allows for effective scaffolding of new concepts, promoting meaningful connections rather than rote memorization. When assessing someone's ability, it's better to expect an organized framework of understanding rather than a disorganized list of information. Jumping into teaching without gauging a learner's starting point can lead to misunderstandings, whether by overshooting or undershooting their current level of knowledge. Quickly identifying where a learner stands through conversation and targeted questions enhances the teaching process and helps maintain engagement.