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Do you think learning something from a person or place is better?
While learning from a person and a place can be a valuable experience, learning from a person often offers a more profound and changing experience. When we learn from an individual, we acquire information or skills and gain insight into their views, experiences, and advice.
A skilled teacher or guide can tailor their approach to our learning styles, provide personalised comments, and share their unique insights and stories, making the lessons more approachable and effective. Additionally, the human link and bond formed with an educated individual promote a tremendous respect and understanding of the subject matter.
However, learning from a place can also be incredibly beneficial, as it allows us to submerge ourselves in new settings, cultures, and situations that can broaden our views and test our assumed ideas. The experiences and lessons we gain from visiting new places can shape our outlook, support personal growth, and provide unique perspectives that may be difficult to acquire through standard means.
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How important is having a good teacher or guide when learning something new?
Having a good teacher or guide when learning something new is essential and can significantly impact the quality and depth of the learning process. A skilled and knowledgeable teacher or guide can provide several key benefits, such as:
- Advice and expertise: An experienced teacher or guide can offer expert advice, share their deep knowledge of the subject matter, and provide insights and methods that may be tough to acquire through self-study or trial and error.
- Personalised feedback: A good teacher or guide can watch your progress, find areas for improvement, and provide helpful input suited to your unique needs and learning style. This feedback can help you beat hurdles and improve your skills more effectively.
- Motivation and encouragement: Learning something new can be difficult, and there may be times of anger or self-doubt. A helpful and welcoming teacher or guide can motivate and inspire you to fight through these challenges, praising your wins and helping you stay focused on your goals.
- Networking and industry connections: Besides teaching information, a well-connected teacher or guide can introduce you to important industry contacts, professional networks, and chances for further growth and development.
While learning freely through self-study and internet tools is possible, having a skilled teacher or guide can significantly speed the learning process, provide essential advice and support, and develop a better understanding and appreciation for the subject matter.
However, it is essential to find a teacher or guide who not only holds the necessary knowledge but also has a teaching style and method that fits your learning tastes and goals.
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Can you give an example of a skill or knowledge you learned independently without a teacher or mentor?
Indeed, photography is one skill that I mainly learned on my own, without the direction of an official teacher or guide. My path into this art form began as a hobby, driven by a desire to record and keep moments and experiences visually engaging. Initially, I relied on online lessons, photography sites, and experimentation to understand the basic ideas and methods of shooting. I spent countless hours studying various aspects such as exposure, framing, lighting, and post-processing, constantly learning and improving my skills through trial and error.
As my love for photography grew, I began to seek inspiration from the works of famous photographers, studying their styles, methods, and artistic choices. I studied their collections, read conversations and stories about their creative processes, and tried combining aspects of their methods into my work.
One of the most important things I learned through this self-guided trip was the value of creating a personal style and artistic vision. Without the limitations of a structured program or a mentor's impact, I could explore different styles, try various techniques, and eventually find the type of photography that connected most with my artistic tastes. While learning on my own offered obstacles, such as beating plateaus and managing the vast amount of knowledge available, it also developed a sense of self-reliance, problem-solving skills, and tremendous respect for the art form. Each breakthrough or successful picture became a personal victory, driving me to continue learning and growing as a self-taught photographer.
I sought feedback from fellow fans in online groups, visited classes and shows to gain new views, and constantly pushed myself to step out of my comfort zone and explore new techniques and topics. While the direction of a skilled guide or teacher can be priceless, this experience taught me that self-driven learning, combined with a love for the subject and a willingness to accept challenges, can also lead to remarkable personal growth and the acquisition of valuable skills.
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