What has the most significant impact on developing teaching skills?

Experience has the most significant impact on developing teaching skills because it allows individuals to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations, refine their techniques, and adapt their teaching style based on real-world interactions with students. Through experience, a teacher encounters a variety of situations, learns to manage classroom dynamics, and understands the unique needs of different learners.

Engaging directly with students provides opportunities for trial and error, where teachers can assess the effectiveness of their methods and make necessary adjustments. Additionally, experience fosters a deeper understanding of how to convey complex concepts in a way that resonantly connects with students. This ongoing process of reflection and adjustment based on firsthand encounters is essential for developing expertise in teaching.

While formal education, peer feedback, and online training courses can all contribute to teaching skills, they are often limited when compared to the transformative power of hands-on experience, which helps teachers internalize and enhance their skills effectively.