I often tell people that I love teaching almost as much as I love learning.

But the great thing is that you often learn something better by teaching it.

I started teaching at a university in 2000, and the first thing that I had to teach was

grammar. I think that I learned more grammar in the last three months of 2000 than I have

in any other three-month period of my life. And the reason is that I was teaching.

One of the best ways of learning something well is to teach it.

Even if you're not actually teaching, sometimes it's helpful just to talk about what's on

your mind.

Just last week, I was teaching a class to a group of students who are working on their

doctoral degrees. A student raised her hand and asked a question. Then she started to

explain why she had that question. While she was explaining her question, she realized

what the answer was. And she said, "Oh, I think I just answered my own question." And

she did. She answered her own question. I love it when that happens because it shows

me that students can teach themselves, even if they also have a teacher.

Maria wrote an article for us called, "3 Ways to Learn by Teaching." In this article, she

says that as you teach what you have already learned, "you will deepen that understanding,

and be forced to think through questions." She also says, "Sometimes the best way to

help yourself is by helping others."

Take a few minutes right now to read Maria's article below this video. Also, in the comments

at the bottom of this page, be sure to share your own story about learning by teaching.