Recently, I started teaching a Concrete-Prestressed/Concrete class at a local trade school. As I was teaching, I quickly realized our industry has an enormous amount of definitions/acronyms/slang that are particular to our segment of the construction world.

We often take for granted that those we talk with are on a similar level to us and fail to realize they don’t have the foundational knowledge to process what we are talking about.  A prime example is knowing the difference between cement and concrete. We are aware of the difference, and we assume that everyone else is too, so we don’t even question it. However, you may be surprised to learn how many students (and even professionals) are unaware of this simple distinction. These types of knowledge gaps aren’t just older to younger; they happen both ways.

When I was setting up the TV connection for one of my first presentations to the students, I couldn’t figure out how the volume button worked (I had guessed it was up and down); one of my students had to show me that the key moved side to side. Talk about embarrassing!

We should never assume that someone knows the topic we are discussing just because of their age or professional level. We have to make a point to meet people where they are and proceed from there. Real learning happens “brick by brick” with no shortcuts.