Why cognitive learning is better than rote learning

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Why cognitive learning is better than rote learning

Traditional learning focuses on memorizing things but cognitive learning focuses on improving your brain’s potential. Cognitive learning makes your brain to connect with new ideas with existing information whereas rote learning is a method of memorization that is based on repetition. It makes your brain to work like a loop. Both types of learning have their benefits but in a larger way, it is observed that cognitive learning has a better impact on the development of our brain.

Components of cognitive learning and rote learning

Cognitive learning is based on three components like comprehension, memory, and application but rote learning is completely based on memorizing. Cognitive learning will benefit to you when you will understand the reason why you are learning that specific subject. A deep understanding of any topic improves your ability to relate new information and help you apply new information or skill in life situations. Rote learning doesn’t have a great focus and doesn’t allow deep understanding. This learning doesn’t have any connection between new and previous knowledge.

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Reasons why rote learning is not effective

This learning can be repetitive and a child can lose focus easily. It doesn’t encourage the use of social skills. The results of understanding a concept could be wrong through this learning method. Though it has so many negative points, we still have reasons to follow this learning method, like the ability to recall facts and help to develop foundational knowledge. But it doesn’t allow us to understand the complex connection between facts and theories.

This method of learning doesn’t give you knowledge. It will give you base facts that remain with you for a short period of time. If you want to learn something, you must understand the importance of that subject. This learning is only test cramming, it only helps you to pass the test. This method of learning is only applicable for primary education where you need to remember the facts but in university education, you have to get the core of the concept which is impossible through rote learning.

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Reasons why cognitive learning is better

This learning includes the understanding of all the pieces of an entire concept fit together. The knowledge gained through this learning applies to new learning situations. It is active, constructive, and long-lasting learning. The most important benefit of this learning is students are fully engaged in the learning process.

The ability to remember materials is called retention and the ability to solve new problems is called transfer. When students achieve both of these, the goal will be fulfilled. Cognitive learning helps students to achieve understanding, not memorization. It helps to achieve learning techniques and focuses on the outcome of the learning process. It helps to relate the new information to prior knowledge. Through this learning process related information is easily recalled.

It encourages students to take a hands-on approach to learn, builds a transferable problem-solving attitude, improves confidence, and develops a love for learning. Through this learning, you can increase your knowledge with new ideas and experience. This method of learning pushes students towards innovation. This learning is only about perception and concept information. Through this method one can understand complex information which leads to innovation. This learning is totally based on perception which involves recognizing complex facts and finding unique information.

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