"Tell me, I'll forget

Show me, I'll remember

Involve me, I'll understand" 

(A Chinese Proverb)

 

I whole-heartedly agree with this proverb.  I believe that lecturing students will get them nowhere.  Parents and teachers need to work together to show children what to do AND get them involved in hands-on learning in order for children to truely learn. All individuals can learn - inside and outside of the classroom. I believe that students can develop their skills through perseverance and hard work while I provide a place that makes them feel comfortable to make mistakes and grow. 

 

In college, one of my professors constantly told us that we learn:

• 10% of what we read
• 20% of what we hear
• 30% of what we see
• 50% of what we see and hear
• 70% of what we say
• 90% of what we say and do

Ever since I learned this, I have really come to notice how true the statement is; it is true in everything.   I taught my grandma how to use something on her kindle she got for Christmas but I made sure she did it herself.  If she would have just listened to me, she would have never remembered. 

This is true with formal classroom education as well.  The students will not comprehend what I am teaching if I simply explain it.  They need to do it themselves.  This also relates to working with other educators and families. I cannot simply give educators and parents resources. I have to provide the resources, explain them, show examples, and have them practice it for themselves.

What my professor said also relates to the proverb above.  "Tell me, I'll forget"... 20% of what I hear; "Show me, I'll remember"... 50% of what I see and hear; "Involve me, I'll understand"...90% of what I say and do.