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In my last blog, I shared a few ways to use quotes to motivate learners, provide different perspectives, and highlight important concepts. Quotes can also be a valuable tool to promote deeper learning and understanding. Here are some additional ways I’ve used quotes in training:
Facilitate Discussions
Quotes can be used as discussion prompts to encourage learners to share their thoughts and opinions on a particular topic.
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply."
This quote is an excellent one to use when working with new instructors on their speaking and active listening skills. From here, we can discuss strategies for active listening.
Promote Critical Thinking
Learners can develop critical thinking skills by analyzing and discussing quotes and learning to evaluate different ideas and perspectives.
"Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn."
I love using this quote to get new trainers to think about their learners and how they need to PRACTICE what they learn, not just listen to a lecture or discuss the content. Learning comes with the practice they get in training!
Make Learning Memorable
Memorable quotes can effectively help learners remember important concepts or ideas.
"Never do for the learners what they can do for themselves."
This quote is always a BIG “ah ha” moment for new instructors. I like to have them reflect on their time in the workshop with me and find examples of when they experienced this.
"Knowledge is the process of piling up facts; wisdom lies in their simplification."
New instructors, especially the “subject-matter experts” in their field, need to learn to be clear, concise, and focus on the “need to know” content for their learners.
I’ve also used quotes to review the course content. For example, I’ll display several quotes and let learners choose the one that resonates with them the most. Then, as a final review, they share their selection with the group and tell how it relates to what they have learned in the workshop.
My favorite quote to wrap up a workshop:
“The capacity to learn is a gift, the ability to learn is a skill, and the willingness to learn is a choice.”
This is a great quote to use as a thank you to the learners for taking on the shared responsibility of learning.
Overall, quotes can be a powerful tool for instructors to engage learners, promote learning, and promote critical thinking skills.
What quotes have you used in training to engage, motivate, or promote learning in your training sessions?
If you’re looking for other tips or techniques because you’re new to training, check out our workshops for new instructors: Instructional Techniques for New Instructors and The Virtual Trainer.
