Skip to main content

The Impacts of Rote Learning (byheart) towards Children_Some suggestions

- The education for children in a dynamic society is solely based on the aims of education that make meaningful interpretation for the purpose of education. The aims of education which are the foundation in terms of the subject to mean education for human being and the society is to be envisioned by all educational experts and policymakers. With this core aspect and the need for a certain period, educational aims were focused only on skill development in the 19th century without realizing human development. Because, this era was about industrialization where many skills in the different sector were demanded, hence, the factory model of the education system was envisioned by most of the country that influenced huge rote learning.

Image source: HackEducation

However, a distinct education system has been realized in the 21st century because of the advent of rationalization and liberalization. The education for life has been stressed more in this era with the aims of developing critical thinking and rational autonomy that came to be core aims of education which have been mandated to be fit for the society of 21st century. This inclusive and rationalized system of education has made realize a new vision of educational approaches that would influence critical thinking and rational autonomy. The rote learning influenced by early factory model of the education system is another forgotten and abandoned agenda for the current era. Because rote learning enhanced by chalk and talk lecturing and rapid memorization without learning actual essence has made outdated and unfit for the survival in the present context. However, there might be enormous issues and challenges which exist related to policy and competency in terms of activation of meaningful learning.

Let us go a little deeper into understanding the scenario better:

Impacts of rote learning

Rote learning is something rigid way of knowing things without having justified reasons for solving things which are influenced by random lecturing mode of teaching approach and memorization of the written text in the book. In fact, rote learning is about deceiving a child intellectually as they are not capable of solving or reasoning things even if they know the things. Knowing things remains vague mere in the heart which is exposed by exam grades but not realistic or mentally.

·        Lack of critical thinking skills: Rote learning hijacks the children from mentally grown-up- resulting in unable to think critically over the matter and issues. Because the rote learning approach never deploy sensory (body, heart and mind) implications in the learning environment.

·        Lack of in-depth knowledge about subject matter: There is not even a single knowledge without evidence and facts as knowledge is collectives of information and the information is connected to reality. Rote learning does not allow children to have space in terms of connecting the bookish information into reality. Hence, children are not able to validate the information as they just memorize things.

·        Lack of application skills of knowledge in an appropriate way: Knowledge which is just mouth and heart without experiment and connections to the reality is vague. This happens when children are isolated from realistic experiments in action.

Some recommendations and suggestions to sort out rote learning

The core vital aspects have been categorized into three so as to come up with a certain conclusion in terms of sorting out rote learning and activation of active and meaningful learning.

Context based policy

·        Contextual curriculum to be mandated: The context-based policy to be mandated by respective policymakers especially in the curriculum. The curriculum is a set of subject matters and subject matters are a set of information over somebody or something. Hence, these set of information has to be mandated to be contextual as children are more accessible, and familiarity with the information surrounding them than information about in far-off places. 

For example, if a child of Northeast India is studying with CBSE or ICSE curriculum, they would definitely find difficulty in order to have meaningful learning as subject matters might be of different far-off places. They might not be able to connect with the things they see and hear most commonly. However, it would be difficult in case of humanity subject.

Conceptual understanding

·        Understanding the aims of education: In-depth understanding of purpose and aims of education are about understanding the actual meaning of education, it is one of the foundational and core skills of every teacher. This knowledge would help a teacher to formulate appropriate teaching approaches as it is a master key of every educational initiative including, designing and implementation.

·        Teacher professional development in a reflective manner: The teachers training must be very reflective so that teacher can practically understand about reflectivity in reality. Unless teachers have gone through a reflective mode of teaching while training, it is, in fact, a difficult task for them to deal with students in a reflective manner. However, in today’s in-service teacher training seems to be a cascade model where most of the teachers do not receive direct training.  

Technical competencies

·        Meaningful and active learning approaches: The sound technical competencies are also another core part of the activation of meaningful and active learning. The meaningful and active learning approaches are newly imagined teaching strategy, where children enjoy lots of fun in learning with the full attention of body, heart and mind.

 In this approach, teachers would remain merely as facilitators and maximum of time would be given to the children followed by questioning, discussing and reflecting. This approach is basically incorporated with activity-based teaching with specific tools required for the specific subject matters.

Click for further connected reading: 

Download Credence app to access free education resources:

Click on the below button:


Reflection is contributed by:
Satyasing Mushahary, an alumnus of Azim Premji University (2014-16)
Senior Consultant @ CLF India.1

Popular posts from this blog

The legacy we leave our children won't be measured in our bank accounts or career titles. It will be measured in the character they carry forward:

 - In the hustle of our modern lives, a profound silence has fallen over our homes. We're so busy building careers and providing for our families that we've let go of a fundamental responsibility: building our children's character. Remember the stories we grew up with? The tales our grandparents told that were filled with morals, proverbs, and the rich history of our family and traditions. These weren't just bedtime stories; they were the very threads that wove the fabric of our character. They taught us empathy, resilience, and respect. They connected us to our roots and gave us a sense of belonging that no material possession ever could. Today, a screen has replaced the storyteller. Our children are growing up in a world of information but are starved for wisdom. They know how to swipe and tap, but they don't know the stories of their ancestors. They have friends on social media but lack the deep, personal connections that come from shared family traditions. The t...

ಪ್ರೊ. ಕೆ. ಎಸ್. ನಿಸಾರ್ ಅಹಮದ್ ರವರ ಜೀವನ-

- ಪ್ರೊ.  ಕೆ. ಎಸ್. ನಿಸಾರ್ ಅಹಮದ್ ಪ್ರೊ.ಕೆ.ಎಸ್.ನಿಸಾರ್ ಅಹಮದ್ (5 ಫೆಬ್ರುವರಿ 1936 - 3 ಮೇ 2020) ಕನ್ನಡದ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಸಾಹಿತಿಗಳಾಗಿದ್ದರು. ಅವರ ಪೂರ್ಣ ಹೆಸರು 'ಕೊಕ್ಕರೆಹೊಸಳ್ಳಿ ಶೇಖಹೈದರ ನಿಸಾರ್ ಅಹಮದ್'. ಅವರು ಬರೆದ 'ಜೋಗದ ಸಿರಿ ಬೆಳಕಿನಲ್ಲಿ ತುಂಗೆಯ ತೆನೆ ಬಳುಕಿನಲ್ಲಿ' ಎಂಬ ಪದ್ಯವು ಬಹಳ ಜನಪ್ರಿಯವಾಗಿ ಅವರು ನಿತ್ಯೋತ್ಸವ ಕವಿಯೆಂದೂ ಕರೆಯಲ್ಪಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು. Image source: Online typing ಜೀವನ- ಪ್ರೊ. ನಿಸಾರ್ ಅಹಮದ್ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯ ದೇವನಹಳ್ಳಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಫೆಬ್ರುವರಿ ೫, ೧೯೩೬ ರಲ್ಲಿ ಜನಿಸಿದರು. ೧೯೫೯ ರಲ್ಲಿ ಭೂವಿಜ್ಞಾನದಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ನಾತಕೋತ್ತರ ಪದವಿ ಪಡೆದರು. ೧೯೯೪ ರ ವರೆಗೆ ವಿವಿಧ ಸರಕಾರಿ ಕಾಲೇಜುಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಅಧ್ಯಾಪಕ ಹಾಗು ಪ್ರಾಧ್ಯಾಪಕರಾಗಿ ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡಿ ನಿವೃತ್ತರಾದರು.             ಜನನ 5 ಫೆಬ್ರುವರಿ 1936 ದೇವನಹಳ್ಳಿ, ಮೈಸೂರು ಸಂಸ್ಥಾನ, ಬ್ರಿಟಿಷ್ ಇಂಡಿಯಾ              ಮರಣ 3 ಮೇ 2020 (ವಯಸ್ಸು 84)[೧] ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ವೃತ್ತಿ ಸಾಹಿತಿ, ಪ್ರೊಫೆಸರ್ ಭಾಷೆ ಕನ್ನಡ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯತೆ ಭಾರತ ಪ್ರಕಾರ/ಶೈಲಿ Fiction ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯ ಚಳುವಳಿ ನವ್ಯ ಕಾವ್ಯ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಕೆಲಸಗಳು ಮನಸು ಗಾಂಧಿ ಬಜಾರು(1960) ನಿತ್ಯೋತ್ಸವ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿಗಳು ಪದ್ಮಶ್ರೀ (೨೦೦೮), ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವ (೧೯೮೧) ಕೆಲವು ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯಗಳು : ನಿಸಾರ್ ಅಹಮದ್  ...

The Power of Listening: Unlocking English Proficiency in India:

 - In India, where English often serves as a crucial link for education, employment, and global communication, mastering the language is a common aspiration. While grammar rules and vocabulary lists are fundamental, one of the most potent yet often underestimated tools for English language acquisition is active listening. For Indian learners, cultivating strong listening skills can be the key to unlocking fluency and confidence. Why Listening Matters in the Indian Context India's linguistic diversity means that English is often learned as a second or even third language. This brings unique challenges and opportunities for listening:  * Diverse Accents and Dialects: Exposure to a wide range of English accents – from native speakers (British, American, Australian) to various Indian English dialects – is crucial. Listening helps learners adapt to these variations, improving comprehension in real-world conversations.  * Intonation and Rhythm: Unlike many Indian languages, Eng...

Education themed jokes:

1. Dad puts finger print(Thumb) on son's mark sheet. Child asked father: Being a chartered accountant, Why did you put finger print instead of signature on my progress card. Father replied: idiot,after looking at your marks, the teacher should not think that I am educated. 2. Critical thinking among children: Pintu: daadi neend nhi aa rahi, TV dekh lun? Daadi: mujh se baat kr le Pintu: daadi kya hum hamesha 6 hi rahenge? Aap, mom, dad, didi, main aur meri billi Daadi: nahi beta aapke liye kal doggy b aa raha h to 7 ho jaayenge Pintu: par doggy to billi ko kha jayega fir 6 ho jaayenge Daadi: nahi beta aap ki shaadi ho jaayegi to 7 ho jaayenge Pintu: fir behen chali jaayegi shaadi kr ke to fir 6 ho jaayenge Daadi: beta fir aapka beta ho jaayega to fir 7 ho jaayenge Pintu: tb tk aap mar jaaogi to fir hum wapas se 6 ho jaayenge Daadi: Bewqauf......jaa TV dekh 3. Once upon a time ..a small boy named Basheer lived in a tin...

The Blueprint for Global Learning: Aligning Outcomes, Curriculum, and Assessment for a Brighter Future:

 - From the bustling classrooms of a city to the remote learning hubs across continents, education stands as humanity's most powerful tool for progress. It is the engine of innovation, the guardian of culture, and the pathway to individual and collective fulfillment. Yet, the true potential of any educational system, anywhere in the world, hinges on a fundamental, often overlooked, principle: the  seamless alignment of learning outcomes, curriculum, and assessment. This isn't merely an academic ideal; it's the  indispensable blueprint for designing, delivering, and systematically evaluating an education system that genuinely serves its purpose. The Three Pillars of Purposeful Learning Imagine education as a purposeful journey. Learning Outcomes  are our  destination . They are the clear, measurable statements that define what learners are truly expected to know, understand, and be able to do upon completing a course, a year, or an entire program. They articulate...

School Library suggested list for Indian schools for classes 6th to 10th standard:

  ##  - Book Suggestions for a School Library in India for classes 6-10. Here are some book suggestions, focusing on core subjects and Indian languages, to enrich your school library:  1.  Works by renowned Indian authors in various languages (Hindi, english, regional languages etc.) 2. Language Reference Books:       * Dictionaries (English, Hindi, regional languages)       * Thesauruses       * Grammar books     * English communication books        * Writing guides      * Essay writing books   3. Science:       * Biographies of famous scientists (e.g., Einstein, Curie)       * Books on specific scientific topics (e.g., astronomy, biology, chemistry) 4. Mathematics:       * Mathematical puzzles and brain teasers       * History of mathematics       * Books on the practical applications of mathematic...

Why Forcing a 4-Year-Old child to Write Homework Is a Losing Battle:

 - For many parents, the moment a child brings home their first “homework” is a source of pride. It feels like a sign of maturity and academic progress. But what if that pride is misplaced? What if the struggle to get a four-year-old to sit still and write is actually damaging their relationship with learning? It's time to challenge the outdated notion that early homework is beneficial and embrace the powerful, evidence-based alternative: play. Forcing a four-year-old to do homework, especially writing, is developmentally inappropriate and counterproductive. At this age, a child's brain and body are not yet ready for the fine motor skills required to hold a pencil correctly and form letters. The act can be physically frustrating, leading to a poor grip and a lifelong aversion to writing. More importantly, it can cause emotional distress. When a child is pushed to do a task they are not equipped for, it can lead to anxiety, meltdowns, and a feeling of inadequacy. We are inadvert...

Education system in Greece and Rome in ancient times: (In Urdu)-

یونان اور روم میں نظامِ تعلیم ڈاکٹر عرفان حبیب مغربی تعلیم کی تاریخ کا آغاز حضرت عیسیٰؑ سے سیکڑوں برس پہلے، یونانی قوم کی تعلیمی سرگرمیوں سے ہوتا ہے۔ اس تاریخ میں بیسویں صدی کی شروعات تک ایک تسلسل پایا جاتا ہے۔ ابتدائی دور میں یونانی شہری ریاستوں میں رہتے تھے۔ شروع ہی سے ان کے یہاں تعلیم کو بڑی اہمیت دی جاتی تھی۔ اچھے شہری تیار کرنے کے لیے تعلیم ضروری تھی۔ یہ ریاستیں دشمنوں میں گھری ہوئی تھیں اور اکثر اندرونی خطروں کا بھی سامنا کرنا ہوتا تھا۔ اس لیے شہریوں کی اس طرح سے تربیت ضروری تھی کہ وہ اندرونی اور بیرونی خطروں کا اچھی طرح مقابلہ کر سکیں۔ اس یونانی سماج کی بنیاد، غلامی کے نظام پر تھی جس میں غلاموں کی تعداد آزاد شہریوں سے کہیں زیادہ تھی۔ تجارت اور ہاتھ سے کام کرنے کو معیوب سمجھا جاتا تھا اور یہ کام غلاموں سے لیے جاتے تھے، اس لیے شہریوں کو کوئی ٹیکنیکل تعلیم حاصل کرنے کی ضرورت نہیں تھی۔ شہری ریاستیں کئی باتوں میں ایک دوسرے سے مختلف تھیں اور اس لیے ان کے تعلیم کے مقاصد بھی جدا جدا تھے مثلاً سپارٹا اور ایتھنز کے تعلیمی نظام بالکل الگ الگ تھے۔ سپارٹا کے شہری اپنے علاقے می...

Hauna Curriculum is for strong preschool education:

 - *Hauna Preschool Systems* Hauna Curriculum is for strong preschool education. We are a preschool curriculum provider offering a comprehensive learning framework for children aged 3-6 years. *Hauna Curriculum Overview:* 1. Focuses on holistic development (cognitive, social, emotional, physical) 2. Integrated learning approach (subjects interconnected) 3. Child-centered and activity-based learning 4. Emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving 5. Aligns with international early childhood education standards *Curriculum Structure:* 1. Nursery (H1- 3-4 years) 2. ⁠Lower Kindergarten (H2- 4-5 years) 3. ⁠Upper Kindergarten (H3- 5-6 years) *Subject Areas:* 1. Language and Literacy 2. Mathematics  3. EVS 4. ⁠Social emotional development 5. ⁠Physical Development  *Teaching Methodologies:* 1. Play-based learning 2. Storytelling 3. Hands-on activities 4. Project-based learning 5. Role-playing 6. ⁠Real-World Applications *Assessment and Evaluation:* 1. Continuous...

How does too much nagging effect children:

 - Imagine an 8-year-old girl named Lily is getting ready for school. Her mom is constantly reminding her: "Lily, have you brushed your teeth yet?" "Did you pack your lunch? Don't forget your water bottle!" "Hurry up, we're going to be late! Put on your shoes!" "Don't forget your homework!" Lily, feeling overwhelmed and rushed, may: Become distracted:  Forget what she was supposed to do and lose focus. Feel anxious:  Start to worry about making mistakes and disappointing her mom. Resist and argue:  Refuse to do things quickly, leading to a power struggle. Feel overwhelmed:  Feel like she can't do anything right and lose confidence in her ability to get ready for school. This constant pressure can make getting ready for school a stressful experience for Lily. Instead of nagging, her mom could try a more supportive approach, such as: Creating a visual checklist:  Help Lily create a checklist of things she needs to do in the morning,...