Rote learning is technically defined as the memorization of concepts based on repetition. It is the way-to-go for most students, especially during school days when it serves to help them ace their terms end examinations. However, this type of learning serves no long-term benefits as these don’t work when it comes to the application of concepts in real life. The concepts crammed, the equations solved – they all disappear once the respective exams are done with!
For students aspiring to clear major national level exams, this type of learning stands to do more harm than good because most questions that students face are conceptual and require them to apply the concepts learned in a logical and analytical way. Rote learning leaves no space for logical application of the concepts learnt and hence, failure becomes inevitable.
However, Involved learning, on the other hand, not only ensures that the concepts learnt are retained for a long period of time but also encourages a logical approach towards learning and enhance a students’ ability to solve conceptual questions with ease.
Pay Attention
The first and foremost step towards developing a healthy approach towards learning is to pay attention in class. As basic as this sounds, being attentive in class can save you a lot of headache and time down the line. The better you understand the concepts taught in class, the easier it is for you during self-study sessions.
Not only will this habit enable you to understand concepts really well, but it will also enable you to develop an inquisitive mind. The better you understand, the more questions you will develop. These questions when discussed with your friends or even your teachers will help you truly understand the concept instead of simply mugging up facts. This basic and effective understanding will help you solve even the most complex questions with the minimum effort.
Learn, Don’t Simply Memorize
While going through any topic in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology, it is important to focus on actually understanding the fundamentals of the said topic, thereby learning instead of simply memorizing the facts associated with the topic.
This type of conscious awareness will not only help you absorb all the information available with ease but also help you retain the knowledge throughout your academic life, thus making it easier for you to learn even the more advanced syllabus taught later in college and even post-graduation. If you are thinking about the right option, learning by watching recorded video lectures is a great idea. Videos with animations and illustrations help you understand the topic well and retain the information for longer.
Engage and Execute
Being present in class and conscious learning are the first two steps towards developing a more involved approach towards studying. However, they alone won’t be enough. You need to utilize the acquired knowledge to engage in problem-solving activities.
From solving questions to testing your mettle regularly with the help of mock tests, you need to be on top of your game! The only way to ensure efficient retention and productive learning is to constantly revise and revisit.
Thankfully, the revision process has become a lot easier with the host of online practice tests available on the internet for students’ convenience. Not only can you assess your own performance but see where you stand against the best of the best with all India test series. This type of healthy competition can motivate you to do better with each step and thus contribute towards making you a more involved learner, rather than just another mugging expert!
With easy access to digital learning platforms where engaging learning techniques are used, you can easily switch to involved learning from rote learning. This is the right time to stop cramming just to clear the exam; start engaging and understanding the concepts to answer tricky questions in the exams like NEET, JEE, AIIMS etc.
