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I think memorization gets a bad rep because you need to be acutely aware of what you're memorizing, like memorizing the sequence of an answer sheet instead of c
by euvin 2y ago
I think memorization gets a bad rep because you need to be acutely aware of what you're memorizing, like memorizing the sequence of an answer sheet instead of core concepts. But when done sufficiently rigorously, the foundations of memorization make room for higher-level critical thinking and reasoning.
Practice is an oft suggested solution to developing mastery, but I did like how the article framed it: creating subconscious heuristics and memory.
- shw1n 2y agoCouldn't have said it better, exactly -- the negative connotations of the word prevent us from recognizing what powers learning at its core But imo acknowledging this unlocks greater speeds and gets us to the "fun part" quicker
- kiwi_kim 2y agoAbsolutely, especially in real world application. If you don't have the ability to pull on fundamental ideas anywhere, anytime, then have you really mastered the learning material?
- usrbinno 2y agoRight. I noticed this acutely in an abstract algebra course. We learned several different proof methods, then the exam was just "prove these theorems with the tools you have". I'd never been challenged with math like that before. I mean, I bombed it lol, but nobody was going to pass if they didn't remember, say, how to do a proof by induction or what it means. At some point, you need to be able to recall this information. Maybe the psychologists categorize these things differently, but I'd argue it's clear that some form of memorization is necessary for the task.