Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a teacher. Others think that it is always better to have a teacher. Which do you prefer?
Learning approaches vary significantly from person to person. Some prefer independent study. Others, however, think they achieve a higher academic performance with a teacher. I generally like to learn with teachers because they help me acquire new skills more effectively and precisely.
First, a good teacher acts like a wise guide, who walks me through new subjects, topics, concepts, skills and knowledge - so I don't feel overwhelmed. Studying does not come easy for some of us, especially at the very beginning. An experienced teacher can introduce me to unknown fields, ideas, processes, arguments, recommend useful books, avoid unnecessary pitfalls and answer my questions. Without their help, I might have to navigate my way less efficiently and over a longer period.
Secondly, what I learn from teachers is often more accurate than what I get from books on my own. Learning requires comprehending, rather than simply receiving all the information, automatically.
For me, it is great to have a tutor to thoroughly explain things in books and give me instant responses - telling me if I get everything correct. For example, the best way to learn English is to find a native speaker to help me with my pronunciation and correct my errors in real time.
In short, I believe that professional teachers play an essential role in our learning journey. They plot the correct course, thus saving students' valuable time. Plus, they help us learn more precisely than any book, A.I. or well intentioned learning-buddy, through accuracy, efficiency, professionalism.