Skip to content

Ability Quote by Ellen Langer

“If we respect students abilities to define their own experiences, to generate their own hypotheses, and to discover new ways of categorizing the world, we might not be so quick to evaluate the adequacy of their answers. We might, instead, begin listening to their questions. Out of the questions of…” quote by Ellen Langer
Download Open image
“If we respect students abilities to define their own experiences, to generate their own hypotheses, and to discover new ways of categorizing the world, we might not be so quick to evaluate the adequacy of their answers. We might, instead, begin listening to their questions. Out of the questions of students come some of the most creative ideas and discoveries.”

Ellen Langer

About This Quote

Source Book: The Power of Mindful Learning by Ellen Langer, 1997

Respecting students' autonomy encourages curiosity, leading to innovative ideas and discoveries.

In simple terms: Let students ask questions, not just give answers.

Key Takeaway

Listen before judging.

Themes

education creativity inquiry

Mood

inspired thoughtful

Type

educational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • classroom discussion
  • research projects
  • curriculum design

Key Concepts

mindfulness student agency constructivism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can teachers balance guidance with autonomy?
  • What questions spark the most insight?
A Different Perspective

Students may still need guidance to focus their curiosity.

4.8 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Ellen Langer

Explore all 25 Ellen Langer quotes

More Ability quotes

Browse all 9,991 Ability quotes