Rote Learning

Rote Learning
Written by Surjeet singh

Rote learning is also known as memorization by repetition. Rote memorization is a term for fixing information to memory through sheer repetition. Rote learning is simply necessary in some areas. A child learns the ABCs by rote learning, long before he or she knows why.

Rote learning is also necessary in learning some languages like: Chinese, Urdu etc. For instance, students of the Chinese language utilize rote learning to memorize thousands of non-alphabetic symbols. Moreover, rote learning methods are routinely used when quick memorization is required, Such as learning one line in a play or memorizing a telephone number. Another area where rote learning is widely used is in the mastery of knowledge. Examples of school topics where rote learning is frequently used are - the periodic table in chemistry, multiplication tables in mathematics, anatomy in medicine, case or statutes in law, basic formulae in any science etc. Finally, if exam papers are not well designed, it is possible for someone with good memorization techniques to pass the test without any meaningful comprehension of the subject.

The main disadvantage of rote learning is that it is boring and extremely limited. Meaningful learning refers to the concept that the learned knowledge is fully understood by the individual and that the individual knows that specific fact related to other stored facts. For understanding this concept, it is good to contrast meaningful learning with the much less desirable, rote learning. So, rote learned knowledge cannot be applied to other areas. Finally, the main disadvantage of rote learning is that it is short lived and forgotten soon.

In conclusion, Rote learning and meaningful learning are their own meaning their own definitions. Rote learning and meaningful learning are not comparable, both have their own advantages and disadvantages, both are equally important in their ways and so instead of opposing each other, both should complement each other.