Stage 5 Reflection: Memorization vs. Big Ideas

Memorizing vs. Understanding

Retrieved October 16th 2017 from: The Peak Performance Center 

We are back to the grind this week after our reading week...I have spent quite a bit of time this week getting caught up and trying to get myself prepared in advance for the weeks to come . I spent a bit of time this week doing my online modules, which included watching a video regarding the differences between memorization versus actually retaining/learning information. You can find the video here if you'd like to watch it. 

After watching this, I took it upon myself to do some additional research to see if there was more benefit to one than the other. I came across a blog on The Peak Performance Center's page that breaks down memorization vs. understanding . I came to the conclusion based on my findings, that learning and understanding a concept is more beneficial than simply memorizing steps. Now how could the be implied in a mathematics class? Many students spend a lot of time believing that if they memorize a formula or the steps required to answer a question, they will pass their test or get all the right answer, etc. However, when you memorize something, your brain will only allow you to retain the information for a certain length of time. Once you no longer "need" this information, it will be purged, and this is not an effective way to make your way through mathematics. If we are able to learn the big ideas of a concept, we will have better chances of being able to come to an answer, even if it is not the right one, being able to justify logically what you think the answer might be, is a quality known to having learned a concept. 

As a student, I personally preferred the memorization method, as I figured that if I could memorize the strategy or formula needed, I would be able to find answers. However, I believe this is why I ultimately struggled with math, as I could not always find the answers, and rarely was able to justify a logical answer. 

As a future teacher, I look forward to having the opportunity to coax and encourage my students into having conversations to learn from each other, instead of simply providing them with material and information. I believe that it is necessary for students to communicate with one another and beneficial for them to see their teachers model certain ways of learning. By encouraging this type of learning, I believe that ultimately, it will also help me strengthen my math skills in the future as well. 

Thanks for reading!