Rote Memorization 

Rote memorization is a method of fixing an amount of information through repetition.   Rote memorization has been a controversial way of learning over the years.  Some educators and psychologists look at rote memorization as a form of ‘shallow’ learning, and some don’t even consider it to be a learning method, instead, they see it as mimicry. 

Understand First 

First off, what you’d want to make sure is that you already understand what the piece of information is trying to say before attempting to memorize it.  Without understanding the meaning behind the information, you won’t be able to apply what you’ve stored in your memory to other areas.  Take vocabulary for example.  Memorizing the definition of a word is pretty pointless unless you are able to use it in a conversation.  Another thing, if you are cramming for an exam, using rote memorization will indeed help you in the situation, but after several days or so, the information will unconsciously be released.  You’ll be better off using rote memorization days before the exam in order for the information to stick. 

Utilizing Rote Memorization 

Although there are loads of debates about rote memorization, there are indeed uses for this type of learning.  For one thing, students make use of rote memorization when they first learn the multiplication table.  They even make use of rote memorization when it comes to state capitals, and at some language schools, although at some points ineffective, they make use of rote learning to teach the students.  Most students who cram up for an exam make use this type of learning in order to ‘get past’ the upcoming exam.  Although right after the exam, the student most commonly discards the information obtained before the exam unconsciously. 

Ways to Use Rote Memorization 

There are different ways to make use of rote learning.  One of the most common ways is to involve a repetitive practice.  It’s pretty simple actually.  All you have to do is to read, write, recite, or a combination of the three over and over in order to store the information in your brain.  In order to avoid shallow learning when using this method, you must first be able to rephrase what you are memorizing – in short, you must first understand what you are trying to memorize.  Another way of using rote learning is by using flash cards.  You shuffle the cards and answer them one by one, and shuffle them up again.  After several repetitions of this technique, you’ll be able to remember the information independently.