Do you remember memorizing multiplication and division tables in school? Unfortunately a lot of universities still employ this means of learning. While memorization has its place and cannot be replaced, there also needs to be an emphasis on moving students beyond basic rote learning and into meaningful learning practices and critical thinking, which are more beneficial in the long run.
Rote learning is essentially memorization that is based on repetition. The thought behind it is that the more one repeats information, the quicker that person will be able to recall the information when needed.
Gordon University includes a proportion of deep learning in each subject, which focuses more on engaging with the subject matter, thinking critically, and understanding how all the pieces work together. In its essence, it encourages understanding rather than memorization.
We are all about deeper learning, where lecturers “transfer” knowledge rather than just asking students to memorize it.
This type of learning encourages questions and ideas, and also leads to recognizing patterns. When students see these patterns – and truly understand the information at hand, then their brain is more likely to retain it.