Why understanding (and not memorizing) is key to your studies

A lack of planning or interest on our part can lead us to complete a degree by memorizing without having actually learned almost anything.

The importance of going beyond memorizing

Memorization has been a study technique used for centuries. Whether it's to learn lines of dialogue, historical dates, or an endless list of mathematical formulas, it seems that memorizing is a safe strategy for facing exams and academic tasks. However, there is a crucial difference between memorizing and learning. Memorizing can be useful in the short term, but to truly understand a concept and be able to apply it in different contexts, we need to go much further. And if we want to become good professionals once we have obtained our eTitle, it is better for us to learn more and repeat less.

Learning: the key to understanding

Learning is not simply about repeating something over and over again until we remember it. It is about understanding it in its entirety, approaching it from different perspectives, and being able to apply it in various situations. When we face new concepts, true understanding is achieved by relating that information to our previous knowledge, by seeing how it fits into the "big picture" of what we already know. This type of meaningful learning not only improves long-term information retention but also enables us to use that knowledge flexibly and creatively.

Effective techniques for deep learning

To go from simply memorizing to deep learning, we can use a series of strategies:

1. Learning in varied contexts: Instead of always studying in the same place and under the same conditions, it is beneficial to vary the study environment. This forces us to process information in different ways, which facilitates understanding and retention. Obviously, if we are preparing for an exam, we cannot go to a café to study because it is very likely that we will get distracted, but it is good to change the environment for our daily study. We can go to the library, to a park, to a bar, or to a classmate's house to study together. Varying study techniques also has a great advantage since we approach the same topic in different ways and studying becomes less monotonous.


2. Conceptual connection: Trying to connect new concepts with previous knowledge is an effective way to consolidate learning. For example, if we are learning about a new topic in Biology, we can relate it to everyday experiences or to concepts from other subjects. This connection promotes deeper understanding and makes the information easier to remember and apply in different situations. This is known as inference, and it is an essential concept in learning because if we are able to connect isolated concepts in our brain, we will end up "weaving" a much broader and more lasting network of knowledge.


3. Practical application: Whenever possible, putting what we have learned into practice helps us understand how a concept works in real life. Instead of simply memorizing mathematical formulas, we can solve practical problems or real-world situations where those formulas are useful. This not only reinforces understanding but also develops our ability to think critically. When it is not possible to make a practical application in real life, role-playing games, where we simulate the necessary environment to carry out what we want to experience, are also a very useful tool.


4. Use of different sources and approaches: Not limiting ourselves to a single book or a single perspective. Using different resources such as videos, articles, debates, and group discussions helps us understand a topic from various angles. This broadens our horizons and gives us a more complete view, in addition to fostering lateral thinking and the ability to think critically.


5. Interleaved practice: Alternating between different topics or skills during study sessions instead of focusing on a single topic for a long time. This technique, known as "interleaved practice," has been shown to be more effective for long-term learning, as it forces us to change our focus and maintain concentration for longer periods of time.

Memorizing is not bad, but it should not be the ultimate goal

Memorizing has its usefulness, especially when we need to retain specific information in the short term. However, relying solely on memorization can limit our ability to deeply understand a topic and effectively apply knowledge in new situations. Real learning involves going beyond the surface, questioning, relating, and applying what we know in different contexts.

The value of learning for life and a professional career

When we focus on understanding and meaningful learning, we better prepare ourselves not only for exams but also for future challenges in our professional lives. Skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to apply knowledge in new situations are much more valuable than the mere ability to recite memorized facts. Thus, by adopting a mindset of learning instead of simply memorizing like a parrot, we are investing in our long-term personal and professional development.