How We Learn

How 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 is DISCUSSED with OTHERS

80% of what is EXPERIENCED PERSONALLY

95% of what we TEACH TO SOMEONE ELSE

- William Glasser

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Many friends have said similar things before (without the actual percentages, of course :) , but everyone agreed on this : that you learn and remember things more when you experience it personally, and that you learn so much more when you have to teach it to someone else. Maybe it's because we often have to work it out and understand it first before we explain or pass it on to another person.

Over the years, I've been fortunate to enjoy the privillege of tutoring a few students at uni. It's funny, I once told mum that I was probably more prepared for their exams than I was for my own exam :P (heh... fortunately, I somehow got through my exams back then too). But looking back, I realise that through it, I've actually reinforced my understanding of those topics or subjects, especially in the areas that I had been unsure of before. And it's the same when helping to facilitate bible studies.

Like I've said many times before, I suspect the teacher often learns more than the students... :)

When facilitating practicals and tutorials, I try not to give the students direct answers to their questions. Instead, I tend to ask them questions related to the topic, trying to challenge and prompt them with further hints and questions, to help them figure out the answer to their original question. I tend to also ask the dreaded question, 'Why do you think so/say that?' :) in a bid to help them understand, and not just memorise, what they've learnt. Sometimes, you get interesting and valuable insights into how they think too.

Therefore, when I chatted with a friend who attended one of my tutes, she confided that she found me quite an intimidating tutor at first, because I often asked them questions that forced her to think more. However, most of them actually work out the answers for themselves as a result, and I can't help but smile as I watch their faces change when they figure something out... it sounds cheesy, I know, but it's true :)

I couldn't help but realise too... that someone actually found me intimidating (!) ... eep! :) And although my teaching or facilitating may not be that great, hopefully, it would have helped at least one person along the way. Once we understand something, once it becomes a personal revelation, then it becomes much easier to remember, and may even become something we remember for life.

We're all still learning... I know I am :)