Discovering the Best Subject Experts Teaching on YouTube
YouTube has evolved into a global classroom where passionate educators share knowledge, break down complex ideas, and inspire millions. Whether you’re a student, a hobbyist, or a lifelong learner, there’s a high chance you’ve stumbled upon a YouTube teacher who made a topic click for you. But who stands out as the best in their fields? Let’s explore some of the most impactful educators across diverse subjects, celebrated for their clarity, creativity, and ability to connect with audiences.
—
Math: Making Numbers Come Alive
If equations and theorems feel intimidating, channels like 3Blue1Brown and Khan Academy transform abstract concepts into visual stories. Grant Sanderson, the mind behind 3Blue1Brown, uses animation to explain calculus, linear algebra, and neural networks in ways that feel almost artistic. His videos don’t just teach math—they make you feel its beauty.
For structured, step-by-step learning, Khan Academy remains a gold standard. Sal Khan’s calm, methodical approach covers everything from basic arithmetic to college-level calculus. His knack for simplifying problems has helped students worldwide build confidence in math.
—
Science: From Curiosity to Discovery
Science channels thrive on curiosity, and few do it better than Vsauce and Veritasium. Michael Stevens of Vsauce tackles quirky questions like “What if the Sun disappeared?” or “How do we measure time?” His blend of philosophy, physics, and humor turns every video into an adventure.
Veritasium, hosted by Derek Muller, dives into experiments, interviews with experts, and debunking myths. Whether explaining quantum physics or the science of roller coasters, Derek’s enthusiasm is contagious. His video on the “misconceptions about heat” has become a classic for making complex thermodynamics relatable.
For biology buffs, Crash Course Biology (with Hank Green) offers fast-paced, witty lessons on everything from DNA to ecosystems. Green’s humor and analogies—like comparing cells to tiny factories—stick in your mind long after the video ends.
—
History: Stories That Shape Our World
History isn’t just dates and battles—it’s about human stories. Oversimplified and Crash Course History excel at turning the past into engaging narratives. Oversimplified uses hilarious animations to explain events like the French Revolution or the Cold War, blending humor with sharp insights.
John Green’s Crash Course World History takes a broader lens, exploring themes like imperialism, globalization, and cultural exchange. His rapid-fire delivery and thought-provoking questions (“Why did agriculture start in some places but not others?”) make history feel urgent and relevant.
—
Programming & Tech: Coding Made Accessible
The tech world moves fast, but channels like CS50 and FreeCodeCamp keep learners up to speed. Harvard’s CS50 series, led by David Malan, is a masterclass in computer science fundamentals. Malan’s energy turns coding into a thrilling puzzle-solving session, perfect for beginners and advanced coders alike.
FreeCodeCamp focuses on practical skills, offering tutorials on web development, Python, and machine learning. Their project-based approach—like building a portfolio website from scratch—gives learners hands-on experience.
For those interested in cybersecurity, NetworkChuck demystifies topics like ethical hacking and cloud computing with a mix of humor and real-world examples. His “You suck at TCP/IP” series is both brutally honest and incredibly helpful.
—
Art & Creativity: Unleashing Your Inner Artist
Art education isn’t limited to studios. Proko and Draw with Jazza are go-tos for aspiring artists. Proko, run by Stan Prokopenko, breaks down figure drawing, anatomy, and shading with precision. His tutorials are so detailed that many art students treat them like free textbooks.
Draw with Jazza (Josiah Brooks) mixes technique with fun challenges, like drawing characters in 10 minutes or using unconventional tools. His lighthearted style encourages experimentation over perfection.
Photographers swear by Peter McKinnon, who teaches composition, editing, and storytelling through lenses. His videos on “finding your style” or “editing in Lightroom” blend technical advice with creative inspiration.
—
Language Learning: Mastering New Tongues
Fluency in a new language often starts on YouTube. Rachel’s English is a treasure trove for mastering American pronunciation, while SpanishDict offers bite-sized lessons for Spanish learners.
For a immersive experience, Easy Languages sends hosts to streets around the world to interview locals. Watching these conversations—with subtitles—helps learners grasp accents, slang, and cultural nuances.
—
Philosophy & Critical Thinking: Expanding Minds
Philosophy can seem abstract, but School of Life and Wireless Philosophy make it digestible. School of Life uses minimalist animations to explore ideas from Nietzsche to mindfulness, linking them to everyday life.
Wireless Philosophy (Wi-Phi), created by academic philosophers, tackles logic, ethics, and epistemology in short, clear videos. Their breakdown of “the trolley problem” is a standout for ethics students.
—
Cooking: From Kitchen Newbies to Home Chefs
Culinary channels like Binging with Babish and Bon Appétit turn cooking into an art form. Babish recreates dishes from movies and TV shows, teaching techniques while geeking out over pop culture. Meanwhile, Bon Appétit’s Gourmet Makes series—where chefs try to replicate junk food—is equal parts entertaining and educational.
—
The Secret Sauce of Great YouTube Teachers
What makes these educators stand out? Three things:
1. Passion: Their love for the subject shines through, whether they’re geeking out over a math theorem or a perfect soufflé.
2. Clarity: They avoid jargon or explain it simply, often using visuals or real-world examples.
3. Engagement: They treat viewers as collaborators, asking questions, sharing bloopers, or encouraging comments.
—
Your Turn to Explore
The best part? YouTube’s algorithm learns what you like. Start with one of these channels, and you’ll soon discover more hidden gems. Remember, the “best” teacher depends on your learning style—some prefer structured lectures, while others thrive on creative chaos. Hit subscribe, grab a notebook, and let the world’s best YouTube mentors guide your journey. After all, curiosity is just a click away.
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » Discovering the Best Subject Experts Teaching on YouTube