The Difference between Memorizing and Understanding

Of course, memory is a vital tool in the learning process but there exists a significant difference between memorizing something and learning it. Unless a student has understood information and applied the knowledge to a different experience, learning has not occurred (Tweed 8). While memorizing limits a student to grasp concepts and ideas for word recall, students who have understood will convert ideas and concepts into their own words. When a student memorizes, their ability to generate creative ideas and insight is greatly impaired. On the other hand, understanding is the foundation on which a student builds creative synthesis and insight. In simple words, understanding opens up the mind of a student and shows them how ideas apply in the real world; a student who memorizes cannot see how ideas apply in real in life.

            To ensure the knowledge of students is not limited to word recall, the instructor needs to apply a number of strategies. For instance, providing illustrations and models and engaging students in science inquiry is a proved way of deepening the students’ understanding of concepts. To enable the students gauge their depth of understanding and make improvements, formative assessments are necessary. For students to make proper connections to a new topic, the teacher should address their prior knowledge and misconceptions. Proper planning is key to ensuring students understand a particular concept and wrap-up and sense making activities should be incorporated in a science class plan to ensure students understand why a certain concept is important be able to apply the concept in a new experience.

            To conclude, students understand by being deeply exposed to information, shallow exposure to information in a lecture or reading a book leaves them with nothing but just ideas they can recall by word.

Works Cited

Tweed, Anne. Designing Effective Science Instruction: What Works In Science Classrooms. NSTA Press, 2009. Print.