Listen to Explain

When you know that you may need to explain an idea to someone else, especially to someone who may have never encountered the topic before, you pay attention differently. You naturally start asking questions in your mind: How would I explain this in simple terms? What example would make this click?

I notice this often when learning about drones or other concepts in general. If I read about a control algorithm or a new sensor, I automatically imagine standing in front of my students. How would I explain this to someone seeing it for the first time? What example would help? What common misunderstanding might they have?

I, in no way, claim to be an expert teacher. In many ways, I still feel that I am learning alongside my students. But teaching has shown me that one of the best ways to learn is to listen with the intention of serving others through explanation.