Rote Learning: A Revived Strategy for Religious Instruction

Abstract

This article is designed to explore the use of rote learning as a viable solution as an educational method. Argued herein, it is a viable method of teaching and learning if it is used within the framework of catechism, a method of teaching using the question-and-answer format. Important considerations such as the definition of rote learning, the benefits and limitations of rote learning, and the use of catechism in the home and church as a means to lead to meaningful learning are addressed. The catechism is a useful tool for presenting the gospel and passing along the faith once for all delivered to the saints to the next generation.

Keywords

catechism meaningful learning rote learning

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Ausubel

D. P.

, Novak

J. D.

, & Hanesian

(1978). Educational psychology: A cognitive view (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

Brady

(2008). Cover the material-or teach students to think? Educational Leadership, 65(5), 64–67.

DeYoung

(2010). The good news we almost forgot: Rediscovering the gospel in a 16th century catechism. Chicago, IL: Moody.

Fata-Hartley

(2011). Resisting rote: The importance of active learning for all course learning objectives. Journal of College Science Teaching, 40(3), 36–39.

Glenn

(2009). Close the book. Recall. Write it down. The Chronicle of Higher Education, 55(34), A1, A8.

Habermas

R. T.

(2001). Catechism. In Anthony

M. J.

(Ed.), Evangelical dictionary of Christian education (pp. 111–113). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.

Hamilton

J. M.

Jr. (2010). That the coming generation might praise the Lord. Journal of Discipleship and Family Ministry, 1(1), 10–17.

Hawkins

J. N.

(2008). Myth or reality? Assessing the validity of the Asian model of education. Harvard International Review, 30(3), 52–56.

Hay

, & Kinchin

(2008). Using concept mapping to measure learning quality. Education + Training, 50(2), 167–182.

10.

Hayes

E. A.

, & Hood

J. M.

(1982). Rote memorization as a teaching strategy. Reading Improvement, 19(4), 319–321.

11.

Haynes

(2009). Shift: What it takes to finally reach families today. Loveland, CO: Group.

12.

Igel

, & Urquhart

(2012). Generation Z, meet cooperative learning. Middle School Journal, 43(4), 16–21.

13.

Keller

, & Shammas

(2012). New city catechism. Redeemer Presbyterian Church.

14.

Krych

M. A.

(1994). The future of the catechisms in teaching. Currents in Theology and Mission, 21(5), 333–339.

15.

May

(2003). A look at the effects of extrinsic motivation on the internalization of biblical truth. Christian Education Journal, 7(1), 47–65.

16.

Mayer

R. E.

(1998). Cognitive theory for education: What teachers need to know. In Lambert

N.M.

, & McCombs

B.L.

(Eds.), How students learn: Reforming schools through learner-centered education (pp. 353–378). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

17.

Mayer

R. E.

(2002). Rote versus meaningful learning. Theory Into Practice, 41(4), 226–232.

18.

Mayer

R. E.

, & Wittrock

M. C.

(1996). Problem-solving transfer. In Anderman

, & Corno

(Eds.), Handbook of educational psychology (pp. 47–64). New York, NY: MacMillan Library Reference USA.

19.

Mayer

R. E.

, & Wittrock

M. C.

(2006). Problem solving. In Anderman

, Winne

P.H.

, Alexander

P.A.

, & Corno

(Eds.), Handbook of educational psychology (pp. 287–304) (2nd ed.). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

20.

McConville

J. G.

(2002). Deuteronomy. In Baker

D.W.

, & Wenham

G.J.

(Series Eds.), Apollos Old Testament Commentary. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

21.

Merrill

E. H.

(1994). Deuteronomy. The New American Commentary: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture. Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman.

22.

Nettles

T. J.

(1998). Teaching truth, training hearts: The study of catechisms in Baptist life. Amityville, NY: Calvary Press.

23.

Ortlieb

E. T.

(2010). The pursuit of play within the curriculum. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 37(3), 241–246.

24.

Pashler

, Triplett

, & Zarow

(2003). Is temporal spacing of tests helpful even when it inflates error rates? Journal of Experimental Psychology, 29(6), 1051–1057.

25.

Rosen

L. D.

(2011). Teaching the igeneration. Educational Leadership, 68(5), 10–15.

26.

Sanchez

, Salinas

, Contreras

, & Meyer

(2011). Does the new digital generation of learners exist? A qualitative study. British Journal of Educational Technology, 42(4), 543–556.

27.

Sawchuk

(2012). Many teachers not ready for the common core. Education Week, 31(29), S12–S17.

28.

Simon

H. A.

(2001). Learning to research about learning. In Carver

S.M.

, & Klahr

(Eds.), Cognition and instruction: Twenty-five years of progress (pp. 205–226). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

29.

Smith

(2012). 52 Creative family time experiences: Fun ways to bring faith home. Nashville, TN: Randall House.

30.

Tokuhama-Espinosa

(2011). Mind, brain, and education science: A comprehensive guide to the new brain-based teaching. New York, NY: W.W. Norton.

31.

Tribble

E. B.

, & Keene

(2011). Cognitive ecologies and the history of remembering: Religion, education, and memory in early modern England. New York, NY: Palgrave MacMillan.