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Rote learning: meaning, definitions and examples

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rote learning

[ rəʊt ˈlɜːrnɪŋ ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

education

Rote learning is a memorization technique based on repetition. It involves learning information through repetition without necessarily understanding the meaning or context of what is being learned.

Synonyms

drill, memorization, repetition.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rote learning	This phrase is used when referring to a learning technique that focuses on memorizing information by repetitive practice without understanding the meaning. Often used in academic contexts to highlight traditional learning methods. Rote learning is often criticized for not fostering true comprehension. Many schools are moving away from rote learning and emphasizing critical thinking.
memorization	This word refers to the act of learning something so well that you can remember it perfectly. It is often associated with academic study, especially when needing to recall facts or lists. His excellent memorization of historical dates helped him score well on the test. Memorization techniques can be very useful for language learning.
repetition	This term is broad and applies to any activity or exercise that involves doing or saying something over and over again. It can relate to learning, practice, or training in various contexts. Repetition is key to mastering new vocabulary. Musicians rely on repetition to perfect their performances.
drill	This term is often used in educational and training settings to describe repeated exercises aimed at instilling a specific skill or piece of information. It can imply a more mechanical process. The teacher uses drills to help students master their multiplication tables. Fire drills are essential for preparing students for emergencies.

Examples of usage

Students often rely on rote learning to memorize facts for exams.
She achieved high grades through rote learning, but struggled to apply the knowledge in real-life situations.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

negative connotation

Rote learning is sometimes criticized for its lack of critical thinking and creativity. It is often seen as a superficial way of learning that does not foster true understanding.

Synonyms

mechanical learning, mindless memorization.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
rote learning	As mentioned earlier, typically used in academic settings to describe memorization without comprehension. It is the same as the first entry and is repeated possibly due to an error. Rote learning can help students remember historical dates, but it doesn't help them understand the significance of those events. Using rote learning for mathematics often leads to students knowing formulas without understanding how to apply them in different contexts.
mechanical learning	This term is used similarly to 'rote learning' but emphasizes the repetitive, machine-like aspect of the learning process. It implies a lack of critical thinking or understanding. The training program focused heavily on mechanical learning, with employees repeating procedures until they could perform them without thought. Mechanical learning often results in knowledge retention for short periods, as it doesn't engage deeper cognitive processes.
mindless memorization	This term is negative and indicates learning that happens without any thought or understanding. It often suggests that the learning process is boring or unengaging. Mindless memorization of vocabulary lists can be tedious and ineffective in truly learning a new language. Teachers should avoid mindless memorization exercises and instead focus on activities that promote understanding and critical thinking.

Word

Description / Examples

rote learning

As mentioned earlier, typically used in academic settings to describe memorization without comprehension. It is the same as the first entry and is repeated possibly due to an error.

Rote learning can help students remember historical dates, but it doesn't help them understand the significance of those events.
Using rote learning for mathematics often leads to students knowing formulas without understanding how to apply them in different contexts.

mechanical learning

This term is used similarly to 'rote learning' but emphasizes the repetitive, machine-like aspect of the learning process. It implies a lack of critical thinking or understanding.

The training program focused heavily on mechanical learning, with employees repeating procedures until they could perform them without thought.
Mechanical learning often results in knowledge retention for short periods, as it doesn't engage deeper cognitive processes.

mindless memorization

This term is negative and indicates learning that happens without any thought or understanding. It often suggests that the learning process is boring or unengaging.

Mindless memorization of vocabulary lists can be tedious and ineffective in truly learning a new language.
Teachers should avoid mindless memorization exercises and instead focus on activities that promote understanding and critical thinking.

Examples of usage

Many educators advocate for a shift away from rote learning towards more interactive and engaging teaching methods.
The reliance on rote learning can hinder students' ability to think critically and problem-solve.

Translations

Translations of the word "rote learning" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aprendizagem mecânica

🇮🇳 रटकर सीखना

🇩🇪 Auswendiglernen

🇮🇩 belajar hafalan

🇺🇦 зубріння

🇵🇱 nauka pamięciowa

🇯🇵 丸暗記 (まるあんき)

🇫🇷 apprentissage par cœur

🇪🇸 aprendizaje de memoria

🇹🇷 ezber öğrenme

🇰🇷 암기 학습

🇸🇦 التعلم عن ظهر قلب

🇨🇿 učení nazpaměť

🇸🇰 učenie naspamäť

🇨🇳 死记硬背 (sǐ jì yìng bèi)

🇸🇮 učenje na pamet

🇮🇸 utanbókarnám

🇰🇿 жаттап оқу

🇬🇪 დამახსოვრებითი სწავლა

🇦🇿 əzbərləmə öyrənmə

🇲🇽 aprendizaje de memoria

Etymology

The term 'rote learning' originated in the 18th century, derived from the Old French word 'roter' which means 'repeat'. It gained popularity in the field of education as a method of memorization through repetition. While it has been a common practice in traditional education systems, modern pedagogy has shifted towards more interactive and experiential learning methods to encourage deeper understanding and critical thinking skills.