Rote memorisation is commonly reviled. I think some careful consideration of its role is in order.
In short, my position is that rote memorisation is an inefficient approach, but sometimes difficult to avoid (such as when learning foreign language vocabulary), and should not be shied away from when there is no other option, though we should certainly do what we can to use alternatives.
In the recording I also talk about ways to reduce or eliminate rote memorisation where possible, cultural differences between China and the West, and my own experience of learning vocabulary, among other things.
Enjoy the episode.
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