BENEFITS OF LEARNING BY TEACHING OTHERS ( THE PROTÉGÉ EFFECTS)

One of the best learning experiences, I have personally experienced is teaching others what I know. Before I came to this realization, I often shied away from tutoring peers in class. It wasn’t because I was trying to be “stingy” with knowledge. I didn’t see the point.

I discovered later, this type of learning is called the protégé effects. It is a psychological phenomenon where teaching, pretending to teach, or preparing to teach information to others helps a person learn that information.
I was not aware of its enormous benefits until I experienced it last term. I have always studied by myself and would usually avoid any form of tutoring or group studies.

However, I realized I performed far better when I tutor my peers after school. I came to this understanding when a few of my mates approached me to tutor them after school.

Initially, I said no but, upon deeper reflections, I felt bad and agreed to tutor them for one subject. To my surprise, I performed better than I usually do when I studied by myself. At the outset, I thought it was just luck on my side.
I tutored the same group of students for a second time and achieved similar test scores like the first time. I was amazed at what I had discovered and wish to share the benefits of learning by teaching others.

I noticed that by teaching others, information stuck better and I could explain concepts and theories during exams.

They also shared what they knew on the subject with me. This helped me to answer exam questions with ease and explain concepts better.

It also motivated me to study hard on my way because I desired to share a lot of knowledge with my peers.

It also helped me grow confidence in myself and my abilities.