What Is Memorization?

What is Memorization (Definition, Meaning ) in education – the act or process of memorizing something? One of the accusations leveled at the education system in our country is that it is a "memorizer ". Accordingly, it is assumed that students stay in the lower level of mental skills such as "knowledge, comprehension and mental application" and do not use skills such as "analytical thinking, synthesis, and integration, creative thinking". For this reason, it is claimed that high-level thinking skills such as processing information and producing information from information do not develop.

In fact, rote learning or rote memory is still used in primary, secondary, and higher education and is a technique directly used in teaching most subjects. What is memorization?, it simply means that the student or person repeats a text, event, or number over and over. In summary, memorization as a learning method, although necessary for remembering things, is ineffective in the long run. It may not be permanent for permanent learning. This is because when you memorize knowledge only, you disconnect it from past and future learning. The knowledge they have memorized cannot be practiced.

There are several reasons why memorization does not help you learn.

Let's list some of the negative effects of memorization on learning:

Memorization as a learning technique

Memorization mainly works in short-term memory (Temporary memory). Therefore, rote learning means repeating over and over what you want to grasp in order to memorize. Accordingly, you transfer the information to your short-term memory bank.

The difficulty with memorization is that you have to repeat it over and over to keep the information in memory. For example, you can stuff your brain for an exam, but even if you remember the information until the exam day or maybe until the end of the exam, it is possible to forget this information right after the exam or for a while.

Whereas the best way to store information in your long-term memory banks is to use it continuously. You can also use rote memory for long-term purposes, but that doesn't mean you'll remember information forever.

Some of the advantages of using memorization as a learning technique include:

You train your brain to just remember information.
Memorization challenges and expands your brain.
When you remember information, you free your brain to do other things.
You develop focus by memorizing.
Rote learning prepares your brain for future learning with the help of tools like speed reading tool.

Memorization also has some drawbacks.

One of its main disadvantages is that it does not allow you to understand any information in depth. You only memorize bare facts like the multiplication table or vocabulary.

In addition, rote learning does not allow for complex connections between new and prior knowledge. It is also difficult to fully understand a concept that uses rote memory.

Disadvantages of memorization include:

1-) Memorizing does not provide information

Memorization does not provide enough information. Memorization gives you key numbers and facts about a topic that you will only remember for a short time.

2-) Memorizing is not a Student's Intelligence.

Typically, the only determinant of a student's intelligence will be their capacity to memorize information. Fortunately, there are laws that protect people with learning disabilities. Therefore, memorization is not the right way to determine abilities.

3-) Memorization is not suitable for people with short-term memory loss.

Rote learning does not work well for young children or people with short-term memory loss or other learning disabilities. Learning by rote depends on one's ability to retain information.

4-) Memorization does not derive knowledge from previously memorized information.

When you present the information that students need to apply, they simply memorize it without looking too much at the content. Also, they cannot create real learning and only want to keep in mind what they need. Thus, the chances of learning the application of such materials become minimal.

5-) Memorization discourages social skills.

Memorization hinders social skills because you are transferring information from a single source. It inhibits arguments and further learning through socialization.

6-) Memorizing is Not Learning! Memorization aims only at scoring.

In memorization, the emphasis is on getting high notes. The basis of an exam is not the student's understanding of the concept, but his answer to a question.

7-) Memorization makes a follower instead of a leader

Memorization involves drilling down information. Therefore, people involved in this system simply follow instructions, without the freedom to think independently. They also don't have the option to explore a differentiated education solution.

Some of the techniques of meaningful learning are:

active learning

It requires students to use technology independently and regularly.

collaborative learning

It involves students forming teams and using certain digital tools to get the job done.

Constructive learning

It focuses on technology that adds more knowledge to already acquired knowledge.

authentic learning

It includes using digital tools to connect to extracurricular activities.

Conclusion:

However, a problem arises when these students turn away from meaningful learning and use it only to get good grades. Such people barely survive in environments where they need to use their reasoning abilities and visual thinking to perform tasks. Also, there may be situations where you need to work in a strategy-oriented manner throughout a process.

The problem with memorization lies in how you apply it to learning and teaching. Therefore, you should combine it with other learning methods such as meaningful learning.