No More Rote Memorization

[songstress]

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.

Totally agree. I fear that there will come a time when students, even the ‘brainy’ ones will be exhausted from memorizing facts and data. Repeating information then not knowing what to do about it is something I don’t want my child to go through. Although I am opposed to rote memorization, I must admit that it lays the foundation of learning, especially in math and science. However, there are parameters that should be observed. How can a child understand a concept when all he is taught in school is repetitive memorization?

[sharonkhoo]

songstress:

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.

Totally agree. I fear that there will come a time when students, even the ‘brainy’ ones will be exhausted from memorizing facts and data. Repeating information then not knowing what to do about it is something I don’t want my child to go through. Although I am opposed to rote memorization, I must admit that it lays the foundation of learning, especially in math and science. However, there are parameters that should be observed. How can a child understand a concept when all he is taught in school is repetitive memorization?

It's usually not the school teachers who emphasise rote memorisation, it's parents and tutors. And once kids get into the habit of just asking \"what do I need to memorise\" so they can finish their homework faster with the least amount of thinking, they tune out the teacher's explanations etc as \"waste of time\" and teachers also get discouraged.

Brainy students will usually find ways to learn and remember without too much rote memorisation (note that I don't say \"no rote memorisation\"). I agree that some amount of memorisation is a necessary foundation (eg. ABC, multiplication tables, literature quotes). My experience is that brainy kids are often naturally lazy, and will find other ways to make sense of knowledge and remember it.

[Nebbermind]

http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/lets-kill-the-drill-approach-in-schools

[sharonkhoo]

Nebbermind:

http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/lets-kill-the-drill-approach-in-schools

Is it really so bad in schools? I guess I'm wrong that rote memorisation isn't encouraged in schools, then. I'm glad my kids were educated elsewhere, then.

[sky minecrafter]

slmkhoo:

Nebbermind:

http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/lets-kill-the-drill-approach-in-schools

Is it really so bad in schools? I guess I'm wrong that rote memorisation isn't encouraged in schools, then...

Hi, think not, rather, it's the \"can't really get it\" children who may have to resort to memory work (by the adults around them?) in order to push up their grades. Imagine asking a young/yet to reach that level of maturity, child to grasp higher order level questions, takes time & effort; 'just memorise it' may be seen as a shortcut? Just a thought...

[dorrisann]

Nebbermind:

http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/lets-kill-the-drill-approach-in-schools

This is a really interesting article, thanks for sharing. Food for thought.

[tali88]

Nebbermind:

http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/lets-kill-the-drill-approach-in-schools

Interesting read. Made me realize all the more how much and why the education system needs an update. Thanks for sharing.

[songstress]

I’ve recently become a CCE parent. So far, what I love about their program is that their classes are activity-based and not worksheet-based. That’s why my twins are having a great time, which is new when they first started, especially that they don’t like doing too much homework. Plus, their other classmates are also enrolled there. The results vary among kids depending on their learning style and pace. But I can guarantee that it’s worth trying.


I feel bad when schools encourage memorization, especially for the so-called ‘SLOW’ students. I may not be a teacher but I believe there are other ways to address this issue. I also believe that tuition can help reinforce whatever skills a child has learned in school. And lastly, name calling is not something that should be tolerated, school-related or not.

[JS rolling]

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:

Thanks for all the recommendations! I decided to go with CCE Education and I’m happy to report that my daughter has shown some improvement in school. It’s just been just 4 months and her teachers have given mostly positive feedback not just in her academics, but also in her study skills. I’m very happy!