“Everything that needs to be said has already been said. But since no one was listening, everything must be said again.” ― André Gide
It took me years as a teacher to recognize the crucial role of repetition in learning.
Of course, lack of attention isn't the only culprit - and perhaps not even the worst offender. Prejudice and assumptions stand in the way of new insights and they are not toppled quickly.
And it seems to me that repetition also has a way of establishing credibility: if the teacher is saying this yet again, it really must be important. I knew a woman who - whenever her boss asked her to do something - always threw away the first two memos on the subject. If he sent a third, she knew he really meant it.
Although as an introvert I have always hated repeating myself, I consciously force myself to do it often these days for the sake of communication, both in promoting Mission Resource and in preaching at Sardinia.
A competent teacher does not assume anyone was listening the first time.
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