tell me and I will forget, show me, and I may not remember, involve me and I will understand
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used to emphasize the importance of active learning in contrast to simply being told or shown
The origin of the proverb "tell me and I will forget, show me, and I may not remember, involve me and I will understand" is commonly attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius, though its exact source is unclear. The proverb highlights that hands-on involvement leads to deeper understanding and retention, as it engages a person’s senses and encourages personal engagement with the material. It encourages an approach to learning that values experience and interaction over passive reception of information.
- Simply reading about a skill in a book was not enough; she needed to actively practice the techniques to truly master them.For tell me and I will forget, show me, and I may not remember, involve me and I will understand.