There are no stupid questions

Teaching an introductory class in Microsoft Word has reminded me of several important parts of being a good teacher:

• Practice unending, Zen-like patience. There should never come a moment when you show exasperation or frustration to a participant. The learning process for them will come to a screeching halt. Often your participant will become defensive and close themselves off to the rest of the training.
• Remember there are no stupid questions. Frequently one participant’s question is one several participants want to ask but may not have the nerve to. A question can open the door to other possibilities as well. Questions cause a pause for deeper discussion of what may have been only glancing information. It also stretches my reach as an instructor.
• Relate to participants on a personal level. I regularly share my own related foibles to put them at ease and take me off the teacher pedestal. I remind them we all had to learn to walk before we could run. I have been where they are now.
• Don’t just give the answers; guide your participants to them. They will enjoy the fruits of their discovery and retain the information well after the session is over.