In this situation, rote memorization may be your bestor even your onlyoption.
But are you really accomplishing much?
At a Glance
Rote memorization is the act of repeating information until you remember it.
Su Arslanoglu/E+/Getty
A great example of that is memorizing someone’s phone number.
It’s not about any sort of deep learning, and memorizing information doesn’t mean you understand it.
Rote memorization has its place, but it’s not nearly as valuable as meaningful learning.
What Exactly Is Rote Memorization?
Rote memorization is when we repeat a piece of information until we remember it.
One great example of it is the alphabet.
Anything can be memorized through repetition.
Does Rote Memorization Actually Help Us Learn and Understand Information?
There are situations in which rote memorization can be helpful.
Aldrich Chan, neuropsychologist.
Chan notes that “rote memorization often does not promote a deep understanding of the material.
Learners may be able to recite facts or information without truly comprehending their meaning or significance.”
This is why it isn’t always the solution to every problem.
These are the disadvantages of rote memorization.
What’s the Difference Between Rote Memorization and Meaningful Learning?
Both rote memorization and meaningful learning have their place.
The uses for rote memorization are not as vast as they are for deep learning.
It can’t replace meaningful learning, but it has its place.
2017;4(1):111-129.
Roche RA, Mullally SL, McNulty JP, et al.
Prolonged rote learning produces delayed memory facilitation and metabolic changes in the hippocampus of the ageing human brain.BMC Neurosci.
