Instructors should intentionally go through the process of learning skills that are outside of their comfort zone so that they can better empathize with their students, writes Rachel Trousdale (Framingham State University). Trousdale describes how her learning style and strategies have changed since she was a student, making the learning process much easier. However, learning a very different set of skills—making her own clothing—highlighted the challenges of the learning process, including learning unfamiliar meanings for words, breaking down projects into manageable steps, and accepting errors as part of getting started. Trousdale concludes by reflecting on the importance of helping students to stay dedicated to the learning process and accept the frustration, confusion, and mistakes that are part of that experience.
