From Rote to Real Learning –
A Shift in Mindset
In many schools, children are asked to learn by heart. They read the same thing again and again until they can say it without looking. This is called rote learning. But is this the best way to learn? Not always. Children may remember words for a test but forget them later. They may not understand what they are saying. That is why we need to move from rote learning to real learning.
Real learning means understanding the topic, thinking deeply about it, and using it in real life. It helps children ask questions, find answers, and explore new ideas. Real learning makes them active learners, not just quiet listeners. It makes learning fun, meaningful, and useful.
Why Rote Learning Doesn’t Work Well
Rote learning focuses only on memory. It does not care if the child understands the idea. For example, a child may say “The sun rises in the east,” but not know what east means or why the sun seems to rise. If asked in a new way, the child may not know how to answer. Also, rote learning can feel boring. Children may lose interest in studies.
How is Real Learning helpful?
Real learning helps children to:
- Think on their own
- Ask “why” and “how” questions
- Use what they learn in daily life
- Solve problems in new ways
- Work with others and share ideas
For example, instead of just learning the names of fruits, a teacher may bring real fruits to class. Children can touch, smell, and taste them. They can talk about their color, size, and shape. This makes learning more exciting and easier to remember.
How Teachers Can Help
- Teachers play a big role in this shift. They can:
- Give real-life examples
- Use games, stories, and pictures
- Ask open-ended questions
- Allow children to speak and share
- Give hands-on tasks and group work
Help children make links between what they learn and what they see around them
For example, while teaching measurement, teachers can ask children to measure their desk or lunch box. This way, children learn by doing.
What Parents Can Do?
Parents can also support real learning by:
- Talking to their children about what they learn
- Asking them to explain things in their own words
- Helping them explore nature, books, and simple experiments
- Encouraging reading, drawing, and problem-solving
- Allowing them to make mistakes and learn from them
A Change in Thinking
To shift from rote to real learning, we must change the way we think. Learning is not just about marks. It is about building strong minds and good habits. It is about helping children grow into thinking, caring, and creative people.
While rote learning may help for a short time, real learning helps for life. It teaches children how to think, not just what to think. Let us help children enjoy learning, understand deeply, and use knowledge in the real world. That is the true purpose of education.
