Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.

The saying contrasts passive reception of information with active participation. “Tell me” suggests mere hearing, easily forgotten; “teach me” implies structured instruction that may be retained; “involve me” points to learning by doing—experience, practice, and personal investment—leading to deeper, more durable understanding. In modern terms it anticipates experiential education and constructivist learning theory: knowledge is not simply transferred but built through engagement. Although widely attributed to Benjamin Franklin, the sentiment functions more as a general pedagogical maxim than a distinctly Franklinian argument, and it is often used to advocate hands-on instruction, apprenticeship, and participatory learning environments.

1) “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
2) “Tell me and I forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I understand.”
3) “Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand.”