Teachers. Coaches. Trainers. Tutors. Mentors. Though each may work in different environments, they all share a common objective. Also, though many have formal degrees or certifications, some have never gone through a formal program, but have life experiences that enable them to instruct, inspire and direct others.
One thing’s for sure. Teaching isn’t easy.
The word “teacher” in this article is meant to encompass all those who help others through education, whether through formal instruction or sharing one’s personal experiences and learnings from life. There are several articles online that identify key qualities of a good teacher. Some common ones are: empathy, kindness, knowledgeability, engagement, positivity and confidence.
I couldn’t help but wonder why “fast learner” was missing.
Fast learners don’t just roll out of bed that way. A domino effect of skills is involved, and it starts with an acute awareness of self and environment. They are subsequently able to connect-the-dots between seemingly disparate observations. And subsequent to that, their ability to self deduce is amplified. And subsequent to that, they pick up on new things at a speed greater than most. They are typically described as being quick studies, honor students, or having street smarts.
If teachers are the ones providing direction, or demonstrating how something is done, why would they have to be quick learners? Because they may encounter so called “bad students” who are often defined as those who get Ds or Fs on tests, or the ones who just don’t get it even though everyone else does. But here’s the thing:
Lousy students are often great teachers. Great students are often lousy teachers.
Lousy students tell you what’s not working. They tell you when you’re being sloppy. They tell you when your timing is bad. They tell you when you’re inconsistent. And they tell you when you’re making things confusing. Great students, on the other hand, typically don’t bother telling you if your lesson plan is ill-conceived. As uncomfortable as it may be, consider the possibility that they’re learning in spite of you; not because of you. It is not uncommon for some dog owners to lament that their previous two Labradors, German Shepherds or whatever breed they formerly had, were absolute angels, but “this one” is a pill. Those angels may have been lovely to live with, but they failed to properly instruct their owners.
If you have a lousy, four-legged student on your hands, consider looking through another lens – Perhaps your dog is a tough teacher who is demanding that you adjust and change your approach. We like to think that we, the humans, are the trainers. But sometimes it’s our dogs who take us to school. Observe what seems to work and what doesn’t. Try to connect the dots and formulate what things you can do differently. Don’t bemoan that you don’t have an easy dog. Be thankful for the dog you have who is pushing you to be more than who you are.
Be a student for your dog.
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