Benjamin Franklin: 'Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.'

Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.

The quote by Benjamin Franklin, 'Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn,' encapsulates a profound truth about the nature of learning. In a straightforward manner, this quote suggests that mere passive reception of information has limited impact, whereas active engagement and participation foster a deeper level of understanding and retention. It emphasizes the need for a hands-on approach to education, where individuals are actively involved in the learning process rather than being passive recipients of knowledge.Education has long been seen as a conduit for acquiring knowledge and skills. Traditionally, teaching has often revolved around the teacher imparting information to the students, assuming a one-way flow of knowledge. However, Franklin's quote challenges this conventional approach, highlighting the significance of active involvement in the learning process.To delve deeper into the concept and bring an unexpected philosophical dimension to this discussion, let us explore the parallels between Franklin's idea and the Eastern philosophy of experiential learning. In Eastern philosophies such as Buddhism and Taoism, there is a deep belief in the transformative power of experience. These traditions propose that wisdom is gained through personal engagement and direct experience with the world, rather than through passive observation.Franklin's quote aligns beautifully with this approach by emphasizing the importance of involvement in the learning process. When we actively participate, our minds are not only learning through abstract concepts but also engaging with the tangible aspects of life. We begin to understand and remember things not just intellectually but in a holistic manner that encompasses our senses, emotions, and intuition.Contrasting this with the traditional teacher-centered approach, we can see that the involvement Franklin speaks of takes learning to a new level. In a more traditional setup, we may learn facts and theories but fail to fully internalize them or connect them to real-life applications. By contrast, when we are actively involved, we can experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. This hands-on involvement allows us to see the practical significance of what we are learning, fostering a deep understanding that endures beyond mere memorization.Take, for example, learning a musical instrument. We can read about music theory, memorize notes, and follow instructions given by a teacher. While this might be helpful, it does not guarantee mastery. True expertise arises when we actively engage with the instrument, experimenting with different techniques, feeling the vibrations, and allowing our intuition to guide us. It is through this kind of involvement that true learning takes place, resulting in a meaningful and lasting connection with the music.The same principle applies to a wide range of disciplines – be it sports, art, or even scientific experiments. When we actively involve ourselves, we become active participants in our own education, forging a deeper connection with the subject matter. It is through this connection that we can unlock our potential and make lasting progress.In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin's quote reminds us of the power of involvement in the learning process. It emphasizes the need to move beyond passive reception of information and embrace active participation. By doing so, we shift from surface-level understanding to a deeper level of comprehension that encompasses all aspects of our being. This perspective resonates with the philosophy of experiential learning, found in Eastern traditions, which emphasizes the transformative power of direct experience. By incorporating involvement into our educational endeavors, we create an environment that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a genuine love for learning that lasts a lifetime.