Rote Memorization vs Meaningful Learning

Rehearsal

Rehearsal is one of the two aspects of learning i.e. rehearsal and remembering (retrieval). 

Rehearsal is the repetition of information again and again to maintain it in the working memory or to aid it's transfer to the Long Term Memory. Rehearsal can be divided into maintenance rehearsal and elaborative rehearsal. 

Maintenance Rehearsal (Rote Memorization)

Maintenance rehearsal aka. rote memorization is done by simple repetition of information without linking it to previous knowledge or by adding meaning to it. This will keep the information in the Working Memory (Short Term Memory). By pure repetition of the information, it can be kept in the short term memory forever until the cycle is broken. 

Although rote memorization is good for quick recalling of facts and it helps develop fundamental knowledge, it may have several drawbacks. As rote memorization doesn't have any associated meaning, the knowledge acquired through this method is isolated and lacks deeper understanding i.e. we cannot connect it to our previous information. Moreover, learning through this method can seem repetitive and boring; it's a passive method and does not engage the learner. Therefore, it is easy to loose focus learning through this method. However, there is a better method to learn called meaningful learning.

Elaborative Rehearsal (Meaningful Learning)

Elaborative rehearsal aka. meaningful learning, involves deep processing of information through which we can store information in the Long term memory and then later retrieve it. We do this by linking incoming content with knowledge in the long term memory. We do it using techniques such as; Chunking, Mnemonics, thinking of examples, adding meaning to the information (method of loci, narrative chaining) etc. This is a more effective way of encoding information to the long-term memory as compared to maintenance rehearsal which just stores information in the short term memory.

In simple terms meaningful learning involves understanding how all the pieces of an entire concept fit together. The knowledge gained through meaningful learning applies to new learning situations and stays for life. Learning through this method is more active, constructive (builds on previous knowledge) and long-lasting. In some other article we will discuss methods to identify whether or not meaningful learning is successfully achieved. 

Similarities of     Memorization and Meaningful learning	Differences between        Memorization and Meaningful learning
both involve mental repetition of information	Rote memorization is passive while Understanding is active
Both improve memory Rote memorization improves STM Understanding improves storage in LTM	Memorization lacks meaning Understanding creates meaning
Both lead to encoding	Rote learning - isolated facts Meaningful learning builds links
-	Memorized info. stays in STM Understanding builds on LTM

If you are still unable to wrap your head around these concepts, which would be difficult if you are introduced to them for very first time. Just make note of this message, tattoo it, write it on a sticky note or whatever you do: Understanding > Rote Memorization

Key Takeaways:

• Rehearsal is one of the two parts of the learning process: information in (rehearsal) and information out (remembering - retrieval).
• Rehearsal is done by either maintenance rehearsal (rote memorization) or through elaborative rehearsal (understanding).
• Rote memorization allows for the storage of information in the short-term memory without giving it any meaning or linking it to other information in the long-term memory, whereas meaningful learning enables the linking of information with previous knowledge in the long-term memory.
• Meaningful learning is the more effective way to learn, because it allows the information to be stored in the LTM more easily.

⬅️How does learning actually happen