Why Do Some Teachers Seem Like They’re Speaking Another Language?
We’ve all been there. Sitting in class, staring at the clock, wondering why the person at the front of the room is explaining a concept in a way that feels like deciphering ancient hieroglyphics. “I feel like some teachers make no sense whatsoever,” you mutter under your breath. While most educators genuinely care about their students’ success, there are moments when the disconnect between teaching and learning feels insurmountable. Let’s unpack why this happens—and what we can do about it.
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The “Expert Blind Spot” Problem
Imagine trying to teach someone to ride a bike by explaining the physics of balance. Sounds absurd, right? Yet, this is what happens when teachers forget what it’s like to not know something. Known as the “expert blind spot,” this phenomenon occurs when educators—who’ve mastered their subject—struggle to break down complex ideas into beginner-friendly steps.
For example, a math teacher might breeze through algebraic equations, assuming students grasp foundational concepts, while half the class is still stuck on fractions. When students say, “This makes no sense,” it’s often code for: “You’re skipping steps I haven’t learned yet.” Teachers aren’t trying to be confusing; they’re simply victims of their own expertise.
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The Curriculum vs. Reality Gap
Another common issue? Outdated or rigid curriculums. A history teacher might be required to cover 500 years of events in a single semester, leaving no time for discussions or critical thinking. When students ask, “Why does this matter?” the teacher might respond with dates and names, missing the chance to connect past events to modern issues like social justice or climate change.
In such cases, the teacher isn’t illogical—they’re trapped by a system that prioritizes standardized testing over meaningful learning. The result? Lessons feel disjointed, and students walk away thinking, “Why are we even learning this?”
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The Communication Style Mismatch
Ever had a teacher who mumbled, spoke too fast, or used jargon without explaining it? Communication barriers play a huge role in the “this makes no sense” frustration. Teaching isn’t just about sharing information—it’s about ensuring that information is received.
A biology teacher might describe photosynthesis as “the conversion of light energy into chemical energy,” leaving students baffled. But if they rephrase it as “how plants eat sunlight to grow,” suddenly, it clicks. Great teachers act as translators, bridging the gap between academic language and student understanding. Unfortunately, not all educators adapt their communication style to their audience.
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When Rules Override Reason
“Why do I need to show my work if I got the answer right?”
“Why can’t I use a calculator for simple math?”
Students often encounter policies that feel arbitrary, like strict formatting rules or bans on technology. While some rules exist for good reasons (e.g., preventing plagiarism), others stem from tradition rather than logic. A teacher might insist on handwritten essays to “build character,” ignoring the fact that most real-world work is digital. When the “why” behind rules isn’t explained, students naturally rebel or disengage.
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The Pressure to Perform (On Both Sides)
Teachers aren’t immune to stress. Overcrowded classrooms, tight deadlines, and administrative pressures can turn even the most passionate educator into a burnt-out automaton. A teacher racing to finish a syllabus might cut corners, glossing over topics students find confusing. Meanwhile, students, already overwhelmed by assignments and extracurriculars, don’t feel safe admitting, “I don’t get it.”
This creates a cycle of misunderstandings. The teacher assumes silence means comprehension; the student assumes confusion means failure.
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What Can Students Do?
While it’s easy to blame teachers, solutions require effort from both sides. Here’s how students can bridge the gap:
1. Ask Specific Questions
Instead of “This doesn’t make sense,” try “Can you explain how Step 3 leads to Step 4?” Specificity helps teachers pinpoint where you’re stuck.
2. Seek Alternative Resources
YouTube tutorials, educational apps, or peer study groups can offer fresh perspectives when classroom explanations fall flat.
3. Provide Feedback (Politely)
Most teachers appreciate constructive comments like, “I think a diagram would help me understand this process better.”
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What Can Teachers Do?
Educators also play a role in minimizing confusion:
1. Check for Understanding
Regular quick quizzes or open-ended questions (“What’s one thing you found confusing today?”) can reveal knowledge gaps.
2. Embrace Flexibility
If a lesson isn’t working, pivot. Let students vote on activity styles or propose project ideas that align with their interests.
3. Humanize the Classroom
Sharing stories of your own learning struggles (“I failed calculus twice!”) makes you more relatable and encourages students to ask for help.
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Final Thoughts: It’s a Two-Way Street
The “some teachers make no sense” frustration often boils down to mismatched expectations, communication breakdowns, and systemic flaws—not malice or incompetence. By fostering open dialogue and embracing adaptability, both students and teachers can transform confusing classrooms into spaces where learning feels less like a chore and more like a collaboration.
After all, education isn’t about blindly following instructions. It’s about asking “Why?”—and working together to find the answers.
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