rote learning

[/roʊt ˈlɜrnɪŋ/]
noun
aprendizado mecânico
1. A learning method based on repetition and memorization without necessarily understanding the meaning or significance of the material being learned
Students relying on rote learning often struggle to apply concepts to new problems.
Estudantes que dependem do aprendizado mecânico frequentemente têm dificuldade em aplicar conceitos a novos problemas.
2. The practice of memorizing information through repeated recitation rather than through understanding
The teacher discouraged rote learning in favor of critical thinking activities.
A professora desestimulou o aprendizado mecânico em favor de atividades de pensamento crítico.
Rote learning has historically been criticized in modern educational systems, particularly in North America and Brazil, where educators increasingly emphasize critical thinking and conceptual understanding. However, it remains a common practice in some traditional and standardized test preparation contexts. In Brazilian Portuguese, the informal term 'decoreba' is frequently used by students and reflects a somewhat dismissive attitude toward this learning method in contemporary educational discourse.
NYC Slang
cramming or memorizing by heart without getting it
Synonyms / Sinônimos
memorizationmechanical learninglearning by heartparrot learningmindless repetition
Antonyms / Antônimos
conceptual learningdeep learningmeaningful learningcritical thinkingunderstanding-based learning

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
aprendizado mecânico
Most common term used in Brazilian educational contexts
Brazil - Educational
decoreba
Informal, colloquial term widely used among students and educators
Brazil - Academic
memorização
Used in formal academic discussions about learning methods
Portugal
aprendizagem mecânica
Standard Portuguese usage with slight variation in terminology

Related Words

memorizationrepetitioncrammingmnemonicsrecallretention

Related Idioms & Phrases

learning by rote
memorize by heart
drill and practice
pound it into your head
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