No More Rote Memorization

[sharonkhoo]

mummyxoxo:

Just an inquiry, does copying notes constitute rote learning? Dd1 likes to copy notes for a few times prior to exam as she claims that this helps her to retain information better. She told me even though she understands the concepts when her teacher/lecturer taught, copying helps to retain them in her brain better.

Not unless she intends to use the notes word for word in the exam, and she doesn't have much of an understanding of what she is copying. Some people remember better through writing, others through reading, etc.

[nelli]

JS rolling:

Hello, everyone!


Looking at how the exams are structured where questions are creative and cannot just rely on rote memorization, it is sad to see my DD struggling. I have gone through with methods like unit transfer method but those methods without good thinking skills are just useless.

Moreover, I believe that such rote memorization is going to harm my DD in the long run if she doesn’t start to learn the proper ways to use her brain.

Thus, I am asking for help from anyone who can recommend me a good education program that is real education instead of rote memorization.

:thankyou:

I feel you, JS rolling. My P4 daughter had the same problem last year. Math was kind of traumatizing for her. She somehow had the idea that if you’re smart, you can do math and, if you’re not smart, you cannot. Her confidence was greatly affected as she was getting failing marks on exams. Tuition really helps as long as you choose the best one.

[tali]

Hi nelli! I hope you don’t mind me asking which center you sent your daughter to. I’ve visited some centers in Hougang but still have yet to find one that I think would be great for my son. I’m getting worried because he’ll be P6 next year and PSLE is just around the corner.

[mindbogglers27]

I believe that Math or Science content is not the problem nor is it the students, but rather the way it is commonly taught. Unfortunately, teaching critical thinking is not part of the current school curriculum. Students commonly succeed in calculation, but fail to reason mathematically. And they find it difficult to apply the scientific method to their analysis of scientific studies.

[nelli]

tali:

Hi nelli! I hope you don’t mind me asking which center you sent your daughter to. I’ve visited some centers in Hougang but still have yet to find one that I think would be great for my son. I’m getting worried because he’ll be P6 next year and PSLE is just around the corner.

Hi Tali! Sorry for the delayed response. Anyway, my daughter is currently enrolled at CCE Education. They have a branch in Hougang that’s just 5 minutes from the MRT station (#03-214 S530810). I do recommend it but of course, it’s still up to you. It doesn’t mean though, that since it worked for my daughter, it’ll work for your son the same way. I guess it depends on your son’s needs and whether CCE can provide for it or not, the last decision is yours. Good luck!

[realtalk]

The criticism is that students end up memorizing facts but they don’t have the skills to meaningfully interpret these facts or to apply them to other contexts. Aside from changes in the curriculum, I think teachers should be more student-centered in their teaching approach.

[teenmom]

Monotonous repetition of school lessons made my daughter lose focus in school. Her repeating topics and lessons verbally or by hand over and over again led to boredom and disengagement from school. I think rote learning is applicable only to alphabets, numbers and other topics that need memorization, but beyond that, I believe it is not advisable.

[Supermomcarrie]

teenmom:

Monotonous repetition of school lessons made my daughter lose focus in school. Her repeating topics and lessons verbally or by hand over and over again led to boredom and disengagement from school. I think rote learning is applicable only to alphabets, numbers and other topics that need memorization, but beyond that, I believe it is not advisable.

I totally agree! Learning should be fun, interactive for lasting memory

[andee]

nelli:

Hi Tali! Sorry for the delayed response. Anyway, my daughter is currently enrolled at CCE Education. They have a branch in Hougang that’s just 5 minutes from the MRT station (#03-214 S530810). I do recommend it but of course, it’s still up to you. It doesn’t mean though, that since it worked for my daughter, it’ll work for your son the same way. I guess it depends on your son’s needs and whether CCE can provide for it or not, the last decision is yours. Good luck!

I got to know about CCE Education through a random Google search. I found it interesting how they give emphasis on cognitive intelligence, which I haven’t heard of before as far as I’m concerned.

My twin boys who are now in P3, have been with CCE for 2 years already. I’ve noticed how they’re looking forward to their Math and Science classes unlike before which they tried to stay away from.

From my experience with my twins, I realized that critical thinking empowers students to be independent, innovative
and more creative. I’m just happy that my twins got over their fear and are now having fun while learning.

[mindbogglers27]

I myself am not a fan of rote learning. Instead of learning to apply the concepts beyond the classroom, students only learn what they need to score well in exams.