I used to love teaching. Until I was assigned to be a coach. That was when I felt really stressed. Because how do you ensure that your coachees will progress and learn everything in 1-3 years time? If they improve, it's to their credit. If there is no progress in their learning, I will be accountable for it. Is this fair?
When I was a coachee, I did not hold anybody accountable for my progress. I just asked questions whenever I felt like it. When they were answered, I felt happy. When they were not answered, I just continued seeking from books, colleagues, seniors, friends, Google... In short, I turned to all sorts of resources.
Thus, I felt really stressed when somebody comes to me and say, "You are my coach!"
At first, I was excited. Until I realized that they expected me to have all the answers. And when I gave them assignments, they never came.
So, I got dejected. Because somethings must be done to be learned. Just like dancing, fishing or even cooking. We can look at the recipe book the whole day, but when it comes to the actual session, we still need to cook a few times to perfect the dish!
So, when I listened to one of the lecturers speaking today, and the speaker, Gillian, mentioned, "You can't teach people. People teach themselves. You can only motivate."
And so, I was silently delighted! And a little bit relieved. I think I relished and savoured that very moment, that only coaches like me understood.
Indeed! Indeed! This is true indeed!
With regards to this aspect, Anatole France says it best, "The whole art of teaching is only the art of awakening the natural curiosity of young minds for the purpose of satisfying it afterwards."
Oh, Oh, I do hope that I will be able to awaken many, many young minds everywhere I go.
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