Don't you just hate it about memorizing instead of learning? Or is it only me?

[stark101]

I hate it that people confuse memorizing stuff for a test to learning, its not the same thing (some cases are exceptional), but I think it hurts the student more if they memorize something instead of learning and understanding the material and the eductional institution as well

[WoodWizzard87]

But the memory retention from all that hard work is less than 10% carried through the year. The only stuff you remember by heart are the important subject keys and facts that really interest you. The rest is all trial and error in the real world. The fact is, for me, college didn't get me ready for the real world. It was just a bunch more classes of memorizing sh*t. I learned the most from interning and learning on the job, where skills are put to test. I try to compare college and real world to music. You can study music and theory all you want, but have to apply it to an instrument to make it relevant.

[curiouschica]

Good observation!

[thecoldzephyr]

There is a place for both Socratic learning (critical thinking) and Confucian learning (memorizing for tests). Memorizing a formula is useful until the formula become second-nature to you. People also have different ideal ways to learn things. What works for one may not work as well for another.

[calichick]

It's true. If you LEARN from the class the tests are quite easy. If you're cramming from notes or the book it doesn't help too much. That anon girl has a point too though, you do have to memorize. You're memorizing what it is you're learning in class! duuuh! :P haha

[curiouschica]

Agreed! The only issue is that sometimes it's easier to just memorize as opposed to take the time to fully understand everything...but "learning" it is by far more beneficial in the long run! The other method is only good for short term results...

[Anonymous]

but if you don't memorize how can you know what you're talking about with out knowing the facts? memorizing is a huge part of learning

[SunSeeker]

Yeah it's called rote memorization and it sucks. That's exactly why I hate math courses where they just teach you the formula and drill it in your head to memorize it and use it. My mind does not work that way, I need to know where it comes from and I need to learn how to derive the equation myself, I will never forget it if I am taught that way.

[ncsquirll99]

i couldn't agree more! But thankfully in college it is mostly learning - GEAUX LSU

But still some people just get by my memorizing. I have such a sucky memory I have to just learn the stuff. People actually get mad at me because I so rarely study. I don't know it does suck though.

[Chris_52]

I definitely agree. I would rather take a more challenging class and actually learn things rather than just simply slide through to an easy grade. Also once you learn the material, there is no need for memorizing, because you simply know how to do it.

[WoIIie]

I don't mind. People can fool themselves into thinking they have good habits, and when it's all said and done they will realize the error of their ways.

I think of it like this... more opportunities for me.

[Anonymous]

I know exactly what you mean. I'm an engineer, and no one understands problem solving vs. memorizing more than engineers. Especially when you try to explain it to non engineers.

[2confusedgirl]

I am not an engineer but I understand it not to mention agree. LOL

[doctorwhofan23]

A lot of my professors cut ally wanted us to know why things worked though