See It, Be It: Life Skills That Are Easier to Learn by Watching Videos
Teachers incorporate a number of implementations for class instruction. Some learners prefer listening, some reading, some doing, etc. Multimedia experiences account for a number of senses, and in best-case scenarios, models ‘show’ learners how to do something to inspire mimicry.
If a learner can ‘see’ something performed, it becomes much easier to accomplish. YouTube and other media platforms allow learners to glean advice and instruction on a large number of topics. Consider the following skills easily learned with use of free video platforms.
Well-Tied Ties
Clip-ons did the job when you were younger, but now you are an adult, a part of the workforce. Presentation accounts for a lot regarding an interview and impressions made. A sharp-looking, well-orchestrated tie makes a great impression. However, you never learned how to tie your own and aunt Bertha lives 1,000 miles away! Don’t fret; use YouTube, learning how to make a single or double knot. Are you feeling particularly daring? Try learning how to fix a bowtie.
Gorgeous Table Settings
You’re having a number of people over for dinner at your very first apartment. Mom took care of the plate ware, sending you a set last Christmas. However, you never paid attention to the proper way of setting a table. Do knives go on the left or right? How do restaurants get their napkins to look so posh? Learn how to set a table and apropos dinner mannerisms from the Internet.
Fast-Changed Tires
You had nightmares about the situation ever since you got your license. Though incredibly careful on the road and diligent in rotating your tires, it’s inevitable. Most people experience a flat tire or more in their lifetime. Rather than worry when, where, and in what climate it will happen to you, wondering if you’ll be able to get help, learn for yourself. Get expert advice from mechanics and car specialists regarding how to change a car or truck tire.
Blazing Campfire
The man you’re dating appreciates the outdoors, so you’re going to surprise him with a weekend camping trip. However, he’s likely to be surprised by your level of actual experience. Do you (even) know how to get a fire going? (There’s no gas-valve outdoors.) Learn how to get a blazing fire going in no time, watching videos online. His heart will get pumping as soon as he sees how well you can get those flames rising.
Fast and Driving Manually
Some drivers have no idea what it’s like for others, those who navigate manual-transmission vehicles. It requires learning and experience, but those who drive manual transmissions rarely go back to automatics. People mention it makes them more interested and invested in driving. Car enthusiasts also like the feeling of being more involved with the car’s performance. However, like a flat tire above, there could come a time when the added skill is handy or desperately needed. It takes several episodes of watching others complete the task to begin wrapping one’s head around using a stick shift, yet you can convert YouTube videos; learn from a different file in one’s car, during work, etc.
CPR Ready
CPR is a great civil ability to have. One never knows when others may choke in a restaurant, a loved one needs resuscitation, or you’re alone with someone who suddenly stops breathing. In emergencies, 911 representatives attempt to teach listeners CPR but the effort gets lost during panic and inexperience. Learning from YouTube or another video service allows one to learn at their own pace, sans nervousness. Ensure whoever is teaching is certified. Online platforms are not edited for ‘correctness.’ Therefore, proceed learning with due diligence.
Sew the Button Back On
In one’s life, a few buttons must fall off…a shirt, blouse, pair of pants, etc. In worst-case scenarios, we place articles aside, destined for the tailor yet never making it there, collecting dust until thrown in the back of the closet or discarded entirely. However, if one took a few hours out of their week to learn how to sew, they could address buttons for the rest of their life. That seems like an incredible return on investment!
YouTube and other visually-focused platforms not only present text and sound; viewers can ‘see’ skills and tasks performed, facilitating better learning and retention.
Remember to respect intellectual property with video downloads.
Lisa Harold has a passion for making life easier. She enjoys blogging about commonly needed life skills and innovative life hacks.
