While We Teach, We Learn

While We Teach, We Learn

Introduction:

The Roman philosopher Seneca once wisely said, "While we teach, we learn." It's a timeless truth that resonates with many of us, especially in the world of knowledge sharing and professional development. But, sometimes, as educators, we encounter moments of self-doubt. We fear that we might come across a student who knows more than we do. After all, why would they enroll in a beginner to intermediate course if they were already experts in the subject?

An Unexpected Challenge:

In my recent Python for Data Science course, I faced precisely this situation. I had just one delegate, a biotech researcher with experience in Matlab and data analysis. He was eager to learn Python for more advanced analysis and machine learning. My initial, irrational fear became a reality.

Throughout my career, I've explored various coding languages, such as JavaScript, Python, R, SQL, and VBA. JavaScript was my stronghold, considering my role in Digital Analytics Implementation. While I worked with data regularly, my work resembled that of web developers rather than data scientists.

I occasionally ventured into Python and R for data analysis tasks, but my expertise lay in JavaScript. This led me to explore web development, and I even built full-stack web applications using Node.js and React at BlastX Consulting. Still, I wondered if a transition into data engineering was possible, given my limited Python and SQL skills and lack of experience in ETL routines.

Facing New Challenges:

When I joined Jellyfish and was tasked with running courses on BigQuery and Python for Data Science, my anxiety levels soared. My boss asked if I were an expert in BigQuery and Python. I confessed to being an intermediate user. Despite my self-assessment, I was entrusted with these courses due to my most extensive experience.

This situation triggered imposter syndrome with solid roots. I worried about being exposed as not knowing every detail of the subjects I was teaching. I quickly learned that it didn't matter. Anxiety, as irrational as it seemed, had a positive side effect. It drove me to delve deeper into the topics I was teaching. I realized that teaching others doesn't require absolute expertise; it fosters a rich learning environment.

Learning Through Teaching:

My first training at Jellyfish, "Getting Started with Google BigQuery," compelled me to brush up on SQL and BigQuery data structure knowledge. I delivered a successful course and received great feedback. But, the real revelation was how much I learned by teaching. Breaking down complex topics for beginners enhanced my understanding, and I found my memory retention improving.

Preparing for the Python for Data Science course transported me back to my early days, before BlastX Consulting, when I was taking a similar course on Pluralsight. That course focused on predicting the survivors of the Titanic disaster. My Jellyfish course was very similar and focused on the Ames Housing dataset and predicting house prices. During my preparation, I discovered a deeper understanding of machine learning concepts than I had realized.

A Pleasant Surprise:

Delivery day arrived, and I discovered my proficiency in Python and statistics. My delegate, despite being a researcher, needed guidance in Python, and I was more than capable of providing it. My journey through the world of coding, data analysis, and teaching had prepared me for this moment.

Over the years, I had considered dabbling in data analysis for fun using Kaggle datasets but never found the time or the courage to try. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I found myself exploring data and running machine learning models while waiting at a pub. I no longer feared failure because I had learned so much by teaching a subject I didn't consider myself an expert in.

The Lesson:

This experience taught me the power of teaching, even when you know just a little more than your student. It's a rewarding journey that can take your knowledge to greater heights. So, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and teach something you know a bit about. You'll be surprised by how much you can learn and how it can elevate your expertise.

Seneca's wisdom still holds true. When we teach, we learn. Embrace the role of the teacher, and you'll discover the immense potential it holds for your own learning journey.