rote memorization

[/roʊt ˌmɛməraɪˈzeɪʃən/]
noun
memorização mecânica
1. A learning technique involving repetitive practice and memorization of material without necessarily understanding its meaning or context
The student relied on rote memorization to pass the exam instead of truly understanding the concepts.
O aluno dependeu de memorização mecânica para passar na prova em vez de realmente compreender os conceitos.
2. The process of committing information to memory through repetition rather than through understanding or reasoning
Learning vocabulary through rote memorization can be effective for short-term retention but ineffective for long-term learning.
Aprender vocabulário através de memorização mecânica pode ser eficaz para retenção de curto prazo, mas ineficaz para aprendizagem de longo prazo.
Rote memorization has historically been a common educational practice in Brazil, though modern pedagogical approaches emphasize critical thinking and conceptual understanding. The term 'decoreba' is widely used in Brazilian schools and universities to criticize this approach as outdated. In the USA, there is increasing criticism of rote memorization in favor of student-centered, inquiry-based learning methods.
NYC Slang
cramming; brain dump; memorizing without understanding
Synonyms / Sinônimos
mechanical memorizationrepetitive memorizationparrot learningcrammingpassive memorization
Antonyms / Antônimos
deep learningconceptual understandingcritical thinkingmeaningful learning

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
memorização mecânica
most common translation in Brazilian Portuguese educational contexts
Brazil (São Paulo)
decoreba
informal colloquial term used in everyday speech
Brazil (General)
aprendizado memorístico
formal academic alternative
Portugal
memorização mecânica
same as Brazilian but sometimes 'memorização automática' is used

Related Words

memorizationmnemonicsflashcardsrecallrepetitionretentionlearning technique

Related Idioms & Phrases

to cram for an exam
to learn by heart
to parrot information
to memorize without thinking
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