The Best Way to Learn Is to Teach: A Message for Educators, Parents, and Students
This simple yet profound insight has shaped some of the greatest minds in history — from scientists to philosophers to entrepreneurs. And it holds a deep truth for anyone striving to grow: if you want to master something, teach it.
Michael Ashish
5/9/20252 min read
"The person who learns the most in any classroom is the teacher."
This simple yet profound insight has shaped some of the greatest minds in history — from scientists to philosophers to entrepreneurs. And it holds a deep truth for anyone striving to grow: if you want to master something, teach it.
Whether you’re an educator guiding young minds, a parent trying to instill values, or a student navigating the chaos of subjects and syllabi — the secret to deep learning is the same: create, teach, and share.
For Educators: You’re Still the Lead Learner
As a teacher, you already know that explaining a concept to your class forces you to understand it more deeply than just reading about it. Every question from a curious student pushes you to revisit, rethink, and refine your understanding.
Teaching is a masterclass in learning.
- Want to grow as a professional? Start a blog on your teaching methods. 
- Want to keep your passion alive? Invite students to co-create lessons with you. 
- Want to stay updated? Teach new-age skills like AI, design thinking, or storytelling — even if you’re learning them yourself. 
The best teachers are forever students. And the best students are invited to teach, too.
For Parents: Your Everyday Teaching Shapes Lifelong Learning
Whether you're helping with homework, sharing life advice, or showing how to fix a bulb, you are teaching — and learning.
Want your child to truly understand kindness, patience, or discipline?
Model it. Explain it. Let them teach it back to you.
- Let kids explain concepts to younger siblings. 
- Encourage them to create charts or presentations on what they learn. 
- Ask: “Can you teach me what you learned today in school?” 
When children teach, they feel seen, heard, and capable. Learning becomes personal.
For Students: Teach to Master, Not Just Pass
Rote learning fades. Teaching sticks.
Struggling with a tough chapter in math or history? Try this:
- Create a YouTube short explaining the concept. 
- Teach a friend or a sibling. 
- Build a model or diagram to showcase your understanding. 
This forces your brain to move from passive input to active output — which is where real learning happens.
The moment you teach something, it becomes a part of you.
Build. Write. Explain. Repeat.
The best learners don’t just absorb — they create:
- Write a book or a blog post on what you're learning. 
- Teach a micro-class at school or at home. 
- Build a project, design a product, or start a passion-based initiative. 
Learning by doing. Mastery by teaching. That’s the way forward.
Final Thought
“To learn is human. To teach is divine.”
Whether you’re a teacher guiding a class, a parent mentoring a child, or a student trying to make sense of the world — the secret to deep, lasting learning is the same:
Don’t just study it. Teach it. Don’t just memorize it. Build something from it.
You’ll be amazed how much you truly learn when you share what you know.
