Most of us can learn how to do something simple on our own with just a set of instructions.However, to learn about something more complex, it's always best to have a teacher.

　　Teachers bring with them varied and useful backgrounds. They've been trained to teachindividuals in different ways depending on their style. For instance, omen students learn betterby discussing a topic. Others learn more by writing about it. Teachers can help students learn inthe way that's best of each student. A textbook or a manual can only give you one way oflearning something. Plus they're only as helpful as your ability to understand them. A goodteacher can adapt her teaching to your needs.

　　Teachers help you focus on what you're learning. If you're learning something by yourself, it’seasy to become distracted, and go on to other activities. Teachers keep your attention on thesubject. They also approach a subject logically, taking it one step at a time. On your own, it'stempting to skip parts of the learning process you think you don’t need. That can binder yourability to really understand the subject.

　　Learning a subject on your own is a very narrow way of learning. You can only use theinformation you get from the textbook. With a teacher, you get the information in the writtenmaterials as well as the teacher's own knowledge of the topic. Teachers can also provide extramaterials to broaden the scope of what you're learning.

　　There's nothing wrong with studying on your own, and a learner can always benefit from somequiet study. For the best possible learning, though, a good teacher is the biggest help you canhave.