School districts read its recommendations as a call to reject rote learning.
I think our education is much more rote learning than the Japanese system, at least in mathematics.
The new system is intended to emphasize conceptual understanding over rote learning.
Their ability to do so can be attributed, at least in some part, to having been assimilated by rote learning.
The result is that many have to rely heavily on rote learning and memory, with limited understanding.
Students delude themselves if they believe that a certain amount of rote learning is not necessary.
"It's not just a matter of rote learning," he said.
Science courses usually have fewer experiments and more rote learning.
He is suggesting that meaningful rote learning has to take place before you can begin to develop a deep understanding of any subject.
This doesn't come from being sat in rows doing hours of rote learning.