Rote Memorization – The Foundation of Learning

For the fundamentals, repetition is the only way.

For many of us, the concept of spending hours and hours memorizing facts of one type of another brings up sometimes unpleasant memories of long, repetitive, agonizing sessions with flash cards or long lists of things to memorize. Memorizing facts by “brute force” is what “Rote Memorization” is.

This article is part of a series on the different types of learning, where we explore the major types of learning and then see how we can apply them in practice to the learning of our students, our children, and ourselves.

Rote Memorization is a learning technique where you repeat information over and over until it’s memorized. It’s like when you memorize the words to a song by singing it many times. This method is often used for learning facts or simple concepts, and, while it can help you remember specific details, it doesn’t necessarily help you understand or apply the information in different contexts. “Rote Memorization” is an old term. The term “rote” comes from the Old English word “rotian,” which means “to repeat” or “to go around in a circle.” It’s related to the idea of routine or repetition. Thus, “Rote Memorization” refers to the process of learning something by repeating it over and over, much like going around in a circle. The term has been used in the context of education and learning for many centuries. By the way, the word “rotate,” though similar, does not the same ancestry. But that’s an entirely separate – yet interesting – topic.

Is Rote Memorization the Best Learning Method for Anything?

As much as my younger self would doubt this fact, Rote Memorization is the best learning method for several types of learning. Rote Memorization is particularly effective for learning information that must be recalled exactly as it is, without the need for deeper understanding or critical thinking. Here are a few examples:

Letters, numbers, and other symbols: There is no other way to learn them than to simply memorize them.
Vocabulary: Learning words and their definitions most of the time needs to be done by simple repetition.
Sight words: Words that are commonly used in the English language, such as “the”, “and”, “it”, “to”, and “you”, are best memorized as whole units, which learners should recognize immediately without needing to use decoding strategies. Many of these words don’t follow standard phonetic patterns and can’t be sounded out using normal phonetic rules, and thus they must be learned as they are. Other languages also have rough equivalents of sight words.
Spelling: Some languages are simply not phonetic, meaning that the spelling of their words cannot be derived from their pronunciation, and therefore must be learned by repetition (I’m looking at you, “Worcestershire”!).
Multiplication Tables: Rote Memorization is often used to learn multiplication tables in elementary school. The exact product of specific numbers doesn’t require interpretation or understanding of context.
Formulas and Rules: In subjects like mathematics or physics, certain formulas or rules need to be remembered exactly as they are. Rote Memorization can be useful in these instances.
Simple facts: In almost all subjects there are key facts that cannot be derived from other facts, and therefore need to be memorized exactly. These could be dates, numbers (pi, Plank’s Contact, etc.), formulas, definitions, and many others.
Preparation for Standardized Tests: Some standardized tests require recalling specific facts or figures.

Remember, while Rote Memorization is effective for these purposes, it’s often most beneficial when used in conjunction with other learning strategies that promote understanding and application.

How does Rote Memorization Work?

Rote Memorization doesn’t have distinct stages like other learning processes, but it can be broken down into these steps:

Repetition: This is the main component of Rote Memorization. The learner repeats the information over and over again. This could be by saying it aloud, writing it down, or even just reading it multiple times.
Recall: After repeating the information, the learner tests themselves to see if they can remember it without looking.
Repetition of Recall: The learner continues to test themselves over time to reinforce the memory. They might do this after a few minutes, then a few hours, then the next day, and so on.

The Best Ways to Memorize by Rote

Now that we’ve resigned ourselves to the fact that there are some things that can only best be learned by Rote Memorization and we’ve also seen the steps to it, here are some strategies to optimize Rote Memorization:

Regular Repetition: This is the core of Rote Memorization. Repeat the information regularly over time. This could be done by saying it aloud, writing it down, or reading it several times.
Spacing Effect: Don’t try to memorize everything in one go. Space out your learning sessions over time. This method, known as spaced repetition, has been shown to improve long-term retention of information.
Mnemonics: Use mnemonic devices, like acronyms, visual images, or rhymes, to make the information more memorable. For example, to remember the colors of the rainbow, you might use the acronym ROYGBIV (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet).
Flashcards: Use flashcards for self-testing. Write the question or prompt on one side and the answer on the other. This method uses active recall, a powerful memory strategy.
Chunking: Break up (or group) information into smaller, manageable “chunks” or sections. This technique is especially useful when trying to memorize long lists or large amounts of information.
Link new information to something you already know: This can create a stronger memory trace. For example, if you’re trying to remember a new word, you could think of a similar sounding word that you already know.
Test Often: Regularly test yourself on the information you’re trying to memorize. Practice makes perfect.

Can Learners of All Ages Learn by Rote?

Rote Memorization is a learning technique that can be used effectively across all ages. However, its effectiveness can vary based on a few factors:

Age: Younger learners, particularly children, often have an easier time with Rote Memorization. Their brains are more plastic and adaptable, which can make it easier for them to absorb and retain new information.
Cognitive Skills: Some older learners might have a harder time with Rote Memorization due to a decline in certain cognitive skills, but this is not a rule and varies widely among individuals. Many adults use Rote Memorization effectively, especially when learning new languages or studying for professional exams.
Learning Preferences: People have different learning styles and preferences. Some people might find Rote Memorization easier and more effective than others, regardless of age.
Motivation and Practice: Regardless of age, learners who are motivated and who practice regularly will be more successful at Rote Memorization.

Rote Memorization can be a useful tool at any age but it’s important to remember that it’s just one of many learning techniques.