Rote learning is a learning technique which avoids understanding of the subject and instead focusses on memorization. LEARNING BY REPETITION.
Routinely used when quick memorization is of key importance, widely used to form foundational knowledge. BY DEFINITION ROTE LEARNING ESCHEWS COMPREHENSION, THUS NOT A GOOD TOOL FOR REACHING ADVANCED LEVELS.
Rote learning is disparaged especially in the developed world where tools are readily available for performing complicated functions at the push of a button. Learning how to use technology is becoming more and more important rather than learning about technology.
Rote learning is an effective tool when time is of critical essence.
Rote learning is promoted as a tool of learning in countries like India, Pakistan, China , Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Italy, Turkey, Malta & Greece. Some of these nations score highest when tested internationally, while others score amongst the lowest. *(Hence indicating a low correlation between rote learning & test score or some other hidden factor at play)
In the US, new standards by NCTM & NSES call for more emphasis on active learning, critical thinking and communication over recall of facts *(I was reading about the creative class recently, the developed countries are slowly moving from industrial class to the creative class, while that work is outsourced to other LDCs where labor is cheaper - will elaborate in my next blog)
ROTE LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT -
The UN Arab Human Development Report for 2004 has Arab researchers claiming that rote learning is a key reason for lack of progress in science and R&D in arab countries *(I wonder if there is a correlation between the same and tolerance too, Could this be the reason for higher level of dogmatism often seen in religious people - Merely the difference between a thinker & a parrot? I wrote a blog about this some time ago - Do read if you want - http://5wn1h.blogspot.com/2009/03/children-of-echo-and-narcissus.html)
ROTE LEARNING & RELIGION -
Rote learning is prevalent in many religions across the world *(Hmm, and then they ask me why I distrust the religious, lol, See here is my take, rote learning is all about setting patterns in your head and these patterns are made by somebody else for some situation or other and I am a big fan of Peter Drucker's paper on Theory of Business, just makes sense to me. Yes we are all rote at some level, but Hey! atleast I try)
ROTE LEARNING & SUZUKI METHOD -
The Suzuki method describes three forms of learning Music
By Rote - Simply doing a set of instructions for desired response
By Symbolism - Learning a sequence of notes
By Mind's Ears - Having basic skills and understanding of the logic of the instrument *(I think the same or a similar set applies to almost all learning)
I think we are off to a good start, I intend to get more fluid as the blogs progress =)
PS - * and ( ) indicate my opinion
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