A Learn Mind
The phrase “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn,” Ben Franklin perfectly captures how different levels of engagement affect how we absorb and retain information.
It highlights the difference between passive listening and active participation in learning. When someone simply tells us something, we might nod along or hear the words, but the chances of truly understanding or remembering them are slim. We can forget easily, because we haven’t had to do anything with the information—it’s just been given to us.
On the other hand, teaching, which involves a bit more interaction, helps us retain information more effectively. When we’re taught something, there’s a process—whether it’s through demonstrations, explanations, or problem-solving—that encourages us to understand the material on a deeper level.
This method involves some mental effort, but still, it’s often not enough to fully embed the knowledge in our minds. It’s when we’re involved, when we actively engage with the material or experience it ourselves, that true learning takes place. Involvement brings us into the process, requiring us to apply the information, ask questions, and make connections, which helps cement the knowledge more thoroughly.
Ultimately, this idea reflects how we learn best by doing. The most lasting lessons come when we’re given the chance to participate, experiment, and reflect. Whether it’s through hands-on experience, collaboration, or critical thinking, involvement turns abstract ideas into real, usable knowledge.
This is why project-based learning, internships, and interactive activities are so powerful—they allow us to take ownership of our learning and turn passive knowledge into active understanding. When we’re involved, we’re not just memorizing facts; we’re experiencing the process of learning itself.
I always keep my promises: Karen Reid
