How Effective is Rote Learning?

 By Siddharth Zimba

Microbiology Department

            Rote learning is the method of memorization of information based on repetition. This method can be used for both teaching and learning and is seen to be effective in learning alphabets, numbers, and formulas. Rote learning may be effective in studying in lower classes but it is not very effective in learning advanced concepts. Even though rote learning is not that effective in comparison with, for example, meaningful learning where learning takes place through the understanding of the concept, it is still prevalent and is a primary mode of education in many countries especially in developing and underdeveloped countries where advanced facilities are not accessible for a better understanding of the concept.

             Countries such as China and India places a large emphasis on memorization and rote memory, but this method is not the only way used for learning. It is recognized in China that rote learning and rote memory do not help in understanding higher concepts; the method of smart learning or meaningful learning is also slowly being popular in India through the use of digital classes and smart boards. Therefore, the question of the effectiveness of rote learning and its significance in the twenty-first century arises. This is not a question that can be answered arbitrarily, hence, the pros and cons of rote learning must be analyzed to answer this question.

               Rote learning is a very useful method practiced in primary and secondary standards and even in higher standards to a little extent. This method is used to learn the basic principles of higher education such as alphabets, numbers, multiplication tables, spellings; etc. as there is no other way for learning these concepts more effectively. Rote learning is used in higher standards for learning mathematical and scientific formulae. This helps the student to quickly recall the basic facts and develop foundational knowledge. However, only this can be considered to be advantageous over meaningful learning.

                Even though rote learning helps develop fundamental knowledge, it has more cons than it has pros. It is easier for the students to lose focus while studying as it can be repetitive and monotonous. This also does not allow for a deeper understanding of the concept and doesn’t encourage the students to use their skills and wisdom. Connecting the previous and the new knowledge becomes difficult for the student as rote learning does not provide the required understanding as a result the student may have a wrong impression or perception of the concept. Therefore, rote learning becomes obsolete while dealing with concepts that require visualization and understanding of the concept, hence the method of meaningful learning is being emphasized more in this era.

                 The main advantage that meaningful learning has over rote learning is the retention span of the knowledge learned. The information learned through the latter method should be used and recalled consistently for retaining the information for a longer period, which is not the case for meaningful learning as the information can be easily recalled once the concept has been properly understood. This encourages the student to understand the concept and not memorize it while also encouraging active learning techniques, such as writing, discussion, problem-solving; etc. This helps in relating the new information with the previous information. Even though meaningful learning takes a longer time than rote learning and the students may face some challenges (as it requires building off previous knowledge), the advantage of meaningful learning far surpasses that of rote learning and helps the student in the long run. The student may find it easier to learn through meaningful learning once they become accustomed to the process.

                 Comparing the pros and cons of both methods rote learning is not that effective in learning concepts as it was once thought to be. It does not help nor prepare us for higher education or on-the-job memory applications and has been found that young adults who rely mostly on rote learning find it difficult to function in the working world. They are not able to adapt and deal with the situation as they are not able to apply the memorized knowledge in practice.

                 Rote learning is not an outdated method of learning in the twenty-first century as it is still the cornerstone for higher-level thinking and education. Although the method of rote learning is profusely being replaced by newer learning techniques such as associative learning and critical thinking, it should not be ignored, especially in today’s advanced technological world that easily accessing the information required to perform certain tasks can help make major leaps in research and development. Therefore, it can be argued upon that rote learning is as important and rote learning and higher-level thinking are intimately intertwined. Hence, the effective use of both rote learning and meaningful learning is the most productive way of understanding and applying the knowledge in practice.