How Teaching Strengthened My Skills in Programming and Data Science

When I started my journey into coding as a student at IIT Madras, I had no idea where it would take me. Like many others, I was fascinated by programming and data science, but mastering those skills felt like climbing a mountain. What I didn’t expect, though, was how much teaching others would help me reach new heights in my learning.

It all started when a few friends asked me to help them understand basic coding concepts. One casual conversation turned into regular lessons, and before I knew it, I was running Nexus Tuition, helping students from various backgrounds understand everything from web development to programming logic. I thought teaching would be a way to reinforce my existing knowledge, but it turned out to be much more.

For instance, one of my students struggled to understand Python recursion. I remember trying different ways to explain it—visual aids, real-life analogies, and even breaking it down into simpler steps. Eventually, I found a method that clicked with him. Ironically, this process helped me fully grasp recursion myself! It turns out that teaching forces you to simplify complex ideas, which strengthens your understanding in unexpected ways.

Designing lesson plans for students has also taught me more than I ever imagined. Each student learns differently, and it became my mission to tailor content to their specific needs. Some students thrive on examples, while others prefer deep theory. Crafting these personalized lessons honed my ability to think like both a programmer and a teacher—skills I know will be invaluable in my future data science career.

But teaching wasn’t just about coding concepts. It also sharpened my communication and leadership abilities. Whether I was explaining HTML to a complete beginner or breaking down complex algorithms for an advanced learner, I found myself improving my skills in the process. The way I communicate now has a clarity and purpose that I never had before. And as anyone in tech knows, being able to explain your ideas clearly is just as important as the technical knowledge itself.

Beyond the technical lessons, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching has been seeing the growth in my students. I’ve watched them go from struggling with basic syntax to building their first web pages. Knowing that I played a role in their success motivates me every day. And, in a way, their progress is also my progress. I’m constantly refining my understanding as I guide them forward.

As I continue my journey in data science, I’m excited about the possibilities of combining what I’ve learned through teaching with my tech skills. One day, I hope to use data analysis to track student progress and create more personalized, effective learning experiences. Education and technology are deeply intertwined, and the future looks bright.

Who would’ve thought that teaching others would be one of the most powerful ways to learn? It’s a journey that’s only just begun for me, and I can’t wait to see where it leads.