Here we go agon about rules and checklists.
The fact is, not everyone learns and improves their skill in precisely the same way and not everyone is born with artistic and creative talent. Yet, all kids of folks enjoy photography and want to learn more overall its aspects.
My teachg expression is not on a college or university level. I have, over the years presented many workshops and seminars for professional photographers and aspiring pros. A class can last for a few hours, a couple of days or a week. There are no entrance requirements, no "S.A.Ts. No the way of assessing anyone's talents or lack thereof. One thing I know is that most fols want definitive answers to the questions, not long drawn out philosophical pontifications.
True enough, art, photography and many other creative disciplines can not all be taught and learned through diagrams, rules, mathematics, geometry and set out procedures but there are basics that are foundational. In a class, the talented participants will immediately visually, recognize most of the "mechanics", perhaps they already knew the principles but did not know how to "name" them or explain their methods to others. The folks who do not come to many principles of composition, lighting, and other aesthetics naturally, at least leave the class with some basis for expanding their creativity and in a professional sense, have gained some practical workable methodologies.
I really do not believe that there are "secrets" in photography. It was not invented yesterday and it's all out there somewhere, in classes, books, audiovisual material, and online. It's there for the taking if one has the willingness to research, work hard and invest in their education. Yes, like in everything else, there are phonies and charlatans who claim they have "secrets" and they pop up online or in your junk mail. There are also credentialed and accredited masters of photometry you teach and write honestly and comprehensively. You may have to pay for a book or a class but you will receive value for your money.
When I start a class or a workshop I always explain that I am going to furnish some "rules" diagrams, lists, procedures, etc, however, none of these things are "carved in stone". At the very least they will provide a basis for further experimentation and expansion and, you will have a "toolbox" of methods that work and produce results on a consistent basis. If all else fails, you have a standard to fall back on. Professionals can not afford to flounder around, hit and miss, or learn from costly mistakes. They have to produce and deliver and meet deadlines.
Technica excellence and profess competence do not preclude creativity. Creative folks will create. True artists will produce art. Nothing wrong will just be a good technician!
A teacher needs to teach practical skills and methods. Of course, they shod inspire and encourage students, trainees, and fellow photographers to tap into their emotions and approach their work in a heartfelt manner. Just patting your chest and telling folks to "shoot with heart" is of no benefit. Worse is telling them or implying, that if they don't havit "it" or do it naturally, they should find something else to do. Many folks are floundering around, but once given the tools, will flourish. Those that really don't have it at all will eventually find out but that should be for them to decide.