rote learning

Rote learning, in psychology, refers to learning through repetition and memorization, often without deep understanding or critical thought. This method involves mechanical recall of information, focusing on the act of remembering rather than comprehending the underlying concepts.12

Historically, the concept of association has been a significant theme in learning theories, with repetition being a key factor in forming these associations. Psychologists like Hermann Ebbinghaus studied rote learning by having participants memorize lists of nonsense syllables, suggesting that the association between words was the primary mechanism for learning these lists. While repetition can strengthen learning, the effectiveness of rote learning is often debated, as it may not lead to true comprehension or the ability to apply knowledge in different contexts.3