MEMORISING FACTS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT WAY TO SUCCEED IN EDUCATION.

Abstract

There has been a lot of discussion lately about the benefits or otherwise of memorization in learning.  It should be noted that memorization does not always mean learning by "remembering" and in fact rote learning is one of the ways we can commit things to memory.  To learn a long list of numbers, dates, names, etc., information can be memorized in different ways and in special ways. Memorizing facts can provide a foundation for higher order thinking and problem solving.  Constantly telling times tables may not help children understand math concepts, but it does allow them to build on what they've learned to succeed in complex mental arithmetic.  Thus, memorization produces a more efficient memory and pushes it beyond the limits of capacity and duration.