Learning by Doing

"What we learn to do, we learn by doing." - I have heard this quote before and it never ceases to make complete sense. I believe that learning by doing is hands down, the best way to learn. It's the rule that I follow when I want to learn something new. I actually lived by this quote today when I (for the first time in maybe 15 years) went ice skating with my family. I guess I've learned to skate before, but after so long, today was pretty much like learning again. Many people ask for tips, others watch and learn by example, but I, like many, learn by doing.

Another example of how I learn by doing is how I'm currently substitute teaching. Not to steal arock's example, but it just fits my current situation perfectly. I had no previous education classes before I started my Bachelor's Plus program this semester. I have never had any professional training in the classroom. But I feel that after each time I substitute teach, I become better equipped for my next substituting experience. I have learned new techniques and come up with new ideas from each substituting experience, and I hope that continues not only throughout the rest of my substituting "career" but also into my teaching career.

Having the mindset that I can learn new things each and every time I teach is important to me. I'm not saying that every teacher should feel this way, but for me, it's important to have this view each day. Going into each day knowing that I have the opportunity to learn new things gives me the drive to look forward to every new day of work.