2. Rote learning pros and cons

2. Rote learning: pros and cons

Rote learning is a method of education in which students are taught to memorize and recite basic facts, often through a great deal of repetition. This is different to critical mental agility or problem solving, in which students are forced to apply the concepts they have learned to theoretical or example problems. There are some pros to rote learning, primarily that students are able to quickly recall these basic facts when asked. The downside is that with a lack of critical thinking application, students may have trouble to applying the knowledge they have learned to real-world situations, they just can be dumbing down. They may also not really to process information the more advanced concepts behind the memorization. In many exams, the students are required to solve a variety of questions during tight deadlines. Doing their best in minimal time requires them to be fast in thinking, mental agility and retrieval of concepts. Despite many opinions, there are both pros and cons of rote learning.

So, there are several statements why rote learning is useful. We can say that rote learning can be useful only with some subjects and aspects. For example, memorizing formulas, letters, words and how they are written, grammar and lexical rules. On the other hand, when it comes to the correct use of grammar, it is much more important to understand concepts and principles than just memorizing a series of complex rules. Also, rote learning has always helped in the study of exact sciences, such as mathematics, physics. Sometimes in the study of natural sciences: chemistry. This also applies to geography, history, and literature. However, this approach to memorizing information is applicable only to key information, for example, memorizing dates, names, formulas. That is rote learning is the foundation of knowledge that can then be used for life. Understanding the basic definitions is the first step to advanced application, which is necessary for most areas of academic study. Therefore, rote learning plays an invaluable role in educational activities. It lays the foundation of knowledge, which can then be used at other levels, such as analysis, synthesis, application and innovation. By the method of rote learning, the learners can boost their memory recall. They can retain the facts for a comparatively longer duration. Sometimes, this knowledge retention can happen for life. Such as multiplication tables or alphabet. Rote learning develops memory. Sometimes it’s necessary for an actor job, where needs the ability to quickly memorize information. All these arguments make us understand the importance of introducing rote learning into the learning process. Rote learning helps in studying when there is not enough time for complete assimilation of information or when the need for knowledge arises at the last moment. But do not overuse this teaching method, as it does not contribute to understanding and comprehension of the material. Therefore, it is advisable to combine memorization by heart and understanding what you are learning. However, it is worth remembering that rote learning can lead to superficial assimilation of the material and short-term memorization. Therefore, it is better to use rote learning only in extreme cases and in combination with other teaching methods, for example, practice and application of knowledge in real situations.

Whatever language you are learning to speak now, you probably want to express your thoughts using your unique style and character. And it's possible! But not when you use memorization. Cramming deprives you of freedom of choice, because you have in your arsenal only templates already prepared by someone "as is customary". Here are some arguments against using rote learning in the study process. Rote learning in the language does not make it possible to express exactly your thoughts,

but it helps to express yourself in patterns, so if we want to communicate freely, it will not help. If the foundation is laid, that is, a person understands any basics in the study of this or that aspect, then more complex material is realized more easily, even without a teacher. The memorized material does not help understanding, that is, a step is not there and you no longer know what to do. Usually cramming helps for a short time, but after a couple of years it is forgotten. If you want to recall something in a couple of years, you will still have to reread and repeat this information, because if something even is recalled quickly, it may turn out to be the slightest information from the one that was learned a long time ago. As for the science of languages, there is often no one solution in grammar for all cases, and you need to figure out for yourself what to choose, how to say it better: rote learning does not give such answers. Rote learning in and of itself is unstimulating. Many students will simply lose interest and motivation to continue study or rehearsal. Their goals often include visions of accomplishment that are far-removed from the daily grind that is required to reach those heights. Lack of Contextualization is the same cons, when people who learn things by rote tend to find it hard to apply the knowledge and facts to new contexts. The concept of rote learning does not go well with young children and grown-ups who suffer from poor short-term memory or other types of learning disorders. Since the learnings from the rote method are dependent entirely on one’s memory retention capacity, the people suffering from attention deficit, too, may not benefit from it.

To sum up, rote memorizing or learning is just one of the learning techniques that students need to use for meeting their academic objectives. But the problem arises when students drift apart from meaningful learning and use it as a shortcut only to get good grades. Such people fail to survive in places where visual thinking or reasoning abilities are needed for task accomplishment or when they need to carry out a process in a strategy-driven manner. So, the problem does not lie in technique but in the way it is implemented in the teaching or learning process.