Why Teaching What You Learn Boosts Retention

How Speaking Up Solidifies What You Learn

Ever heard the saying, "The best way to learn is to teach?" Well, it turns out there’s more than just a grain of truth to that. Imagine you’re in a classroom or studying textbook material, and you’re supposed to absorb all this information. You sit quietly, nodding along, but how much of it do you actually retain? Research shows that students who actively engage with their learning can remember up to 70% of what they’ve learned! Why? Because the act of articulating what you grasp leads to deeper understanding.

The Magic of Engagement

So, what’s behind this magic number of 70%? It’s all about engagement. When learners take part in discussions, share knowledge, or even teach others, they’re doing more than just soaking up information like a sponge. They're connecting dots between new knowledge and what they already know, which reinforces comprehension. Here’s a thought: when you explain something to someone else, you’re practically forcing your brain to reorganize and clarify that information. Talk about multitasking in the best way possible!

Active Learning vs. Passive Learning

Let’s take a moment to compare. In passive learning environments, like listening to a lecture or reading texts silently, retention rates are much lower—around 30%. That’s because, without engaging actively, it’s easy for your mind to wander. Have you ever sat in a class, and by the end, realized you were daydreaming instead of absorbing any of the material? Yep, we've all been there. But when you shift to more interactive methods, such as group discussions or teaching peers, you often find yourself much more invested. You’re not just a listener; you’re an active participant!

Why You Should Start Teaching

Here’s the thing: if you're preparing for something like the Milady Master Educator test, consider making your study sessions a little more dynamic. Grab a buddy and discuss the topics together, or turn your notes into a mini-lecture. Maybe you can even record yourself explaining concepts and listen back—this is still a form of teaching! The beauty is, the more you articulate and share knowledge, the better you’ll grasp those tricky concepts during the exam.

Tying It All Together

In today’s fast-paced learning environments, it’s easy to overlook the power of teaching others. But remember, every time you speak about what you’ve learned, you’re not just sharing knowledge – you’re cementing it in your mind too! This approach creates a rich tapestry of understanding where each thread is woven tightly through interaction. So whether it’s preparing for a big exam or just grasping a new concept, take a moment to explain it out loud—be it to a friend, a pet, or even just to yourself in the mirror!

Next time you hit the books, try stepping away from passive study methods. Engage, participate, and teach what you learn—because you deserve to ace that Milady Master Educator exam with a retention rate that matches your newly found passion for learning!