Understanding vs. memorizing: which method of learning is better? Traditional schools primarily focus on rote learning – the memorization of information based on repetition. While this allows students to quickly recall basic facts (such as the alphabet, multiplication tables, state capitals, etc.), it doesn’t provide a deep understanding of the information and how these facts relate to one another. Having a sound understanding of a subject allows students to apply the information in a variety of scenarios and to form connections between new and previous knowledge.
For example, a student might be able to accurately recite that Washington, D.C. was the capital of the Union during the Civil War, and that the Mason-Dixon line divided the North from the South, without forming any connection between these two facts. But when that student understands that Washington, D.C. sat below the Mason-Dixon line, surrounded by slave-owning states, they will begin to understand and explore the consequences of these facts.
That is why, at The School in Rose Valley, we have designed our curriculum to have a challenging core of study and experience to encourage meaningful learning, rather than just memorization. Our integrated curriculum allows students to approach concepts and content from multiple perspectives at developmentally appropriate points, deepening conceptual understanding. Literacy, science, math, languages, social studies, technology, art, music, service and partnership, wood shop, and unstructured play are woven together into a rich tapestry of learning
The Benefits of Understanding Vs. Memorizing
Unlike rote learning, meaningful learning helps students understand how all the pieces of a concept fit together and how to apply knowledge gained to new situations. It is active, constructive, engaging, and stays with students for life. Students who are taught understanding vs. memorizing have better problem solving and cognitive skills. They learn how to investigate, evaluate, analyze, remember, make comparisons, and communicate.
At The School in Rose Valley, all learning has a context, a meaning, and a purpose. We encourage hands-on experimentation and authentic inquiry, and students frequently reflect on their learning and follow their own questions, gradually fitting knowledge into a meaningful whole. We use a variety of formal and informal assessments to construct a comprehensive and nuanced picture of each student, rather than standardized tests which measure how well you can memorize facts but don’t reflect your understanding of a subject.
If you would like more information about The School in Rose Valley, please contact Rory Mannion, Director of Admission & Tuition Assistance, at rorym@theschoolinrosevalley.org or 610.566.1088.
