Have you ever had to teach someone something? Have you thought about how complex the topic is that you are teaching? Did you even stop to think about what complexity means outside of the dictionary version of the word?
Merriam-Webster states the following:
complexity
com·plex·i·ty | \ kəm-ˈplek-sə-tē , käm- \
plural complexities
Definition of complexity
1: something complex
the complexities of the murder trial
2: the quality or state of being complex
the complexity of the contract
The subject’s complexity means something different to different people at differing times in their life. What was once complex, say tying your shoes or driving a car, is now a basic operation. The point here is, when teaching others, remember that the person learning will require time, patience, and effort on your part to help impart that knowledge to them.
So how do we deal with complex theory and tasks?
Commonality
By using common words, images, tasks and breaking down a complex process into its individual components, this acts as a bridge to better understanding a subject.
For example, the directions on using a computer. First, we will explain what a computer does. The purpose of this is to give the learner a general understanding of why they want to be there in the first place. Next, we will point out the parts of a computer. This is our first attempt to educate them on the computer and giving it description will make it seem less scary. Next, we turn it on and login. By showing this, we are slowly letting the learner see the typical tasks that a normal user takes for granted. After logging in, we can show them whatever the goal is for the task.
By using common words or ideas while having them perform a task, we are allowing them to slowly adapt to this new tool. It will take time and effort to perfect it, but that is a part of the learning process.
Craig
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