For many Singaporean parents, “studying hard” still means doing tons of past-year papers, memorising formulas, and drilling questions repeatedly. After all, that’s how most of us survived the national exams. But is this method really helping our kids succeed today?
Glenn Lee, founder of Glenn Lee Learning Centre (GLLC), believes otherwise. While rote learning might help children score in topical tests, it often fails them when exams demand deeper understanding. Worse, it damages their confidence and makes them lose interest in learning altogether.
So why exactly is rote learning holding our kids back, and what can we do instead?
What Is Rote Learning and Why Does It Persist?
Rote learning is simply learning through repetition. It’s fast, familiar, and for decades, it has worked well in Singapore’s exam-driven system. As Glenn explains:
“Rote learning, essentially learning through repetition, has remained dominant in Singapore’s education system because it continues to align well with the way many subjects are assessed… it remains an efficient and effective way for students to meet academic expectations and manage heavy content loads.”
However, what worked in the past may no longer be enough for today’s fast-changing world.
Downsides of Rote Learning
Many Singaporean parents believe that doing more practice papers and memorising model answers will guarantee good results. But while this approach may work for simple tests, it often backfires in the long run. Here’s why relying too much on rote learning could be harming and not helping our kids.
1. Lack of Deep Understanding
Kids memorise answers without truly understanding concepts. When exams combine multiple topics, they struggle to connect ideas.
2. Academic Struggles at Higher Levels
Glenn warns that rote learning fails once students reach advanced education:
“Rote learning can only be effective until one reaches a higher level of education, where the ability to understand and apply concepts is crucial… by the time they reach that stage, it is almost always too late for them.”
3. Confidence & Self-Esteem Damage
When memorisation doesn’t work, many kids feel they are “failures.” Glenn adds:
“The setback dealt to these students can be very damaging to one’s self-confidence, because what was once ‘tested and proven’ is no longer as applicable as before. It can compel one to lose interest in learning, not just in academia, but also in other aspects of one’s life.”
Glenn Lee’s ACE Method: A Smarter Way to Learn
Instead of blind memorisation, Glenn developed the ACE Method—Assessment, Customisation, and Execution—to help students learn more effectively.
A. Assessment
Glenn starts by understanding each student’s struggles through the 5Ws:
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WHO – understanding the child individually.
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WHAT – identifying weak subjects and concepts.
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WHEN – knowing when they started struggling.
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WHY – discovering if it’s due to weak foundation, wrong study techniques, or lack of resources.
B. Customisation
Every student gets a tailored study plan with concept maps, lesson schedules, and goal setting. Instead of spoon-feeding notes, tutors guide students to create their own notes and learn to interpret concepts.
C. Execution
Students present answers and explain key concepts to others, making learning interactive. Tutors step in to endorse or refine their ideas.
This active approach builds real understanding and confidence; something rote memorisation can never do.
Other Effective Learning Approaches Beyond ACE
While ACE is a proven method, other approaches also encourage deeper understanding:
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Active Learning: Group discussions and hands-on activities make students think critically.
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Project-Based Learning: Solving real-life problems fosters curiosity.
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Flipped Classrooms: Class time is used for applying concepts, not just passive listening.
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Self-Regulated Learning: Students learn to manage their own progress at their own pace.
These methods are already being adopted in top schools worldwide—and can complement the ACE Method beautifully.
Glenn’s advice is simple but powerful:
“Take a step back to understand the content and the concepts first before working on application questions. Learn to ask why and understand the ideas behind it… Get them to explain to you what they have learned using mind maps and sharing with you the interesting knowledge of each topic and connecting the different topics together.”
Instead of asking, “Did you finish your assessment book?”, try asking:
“Why does this work this way?”
“Can you teach me this topic like your teacher?”
“How does this topic link to something you learned before?”
Rote Learning vs. Meaningful Learning: When Memorisation Still Has a Role
It’s not about throwing memorisation out completely. In fact, memorising certain facts is still necessary. But it should never be the main way your child learns.
When Memorisation is Useful
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Foundational Knowledge: Basic formulas, multiplication tables, and spelling still require repetition.
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Quick Recall in Exams: Some subjects, like languages or history, need a bank of memorised facts for efficient recall.
When It Becomes Harmful
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No Context or Application: Memorising answers without understanding how or why they work prevents students from solving new or unfamiliar questions.
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Shuts Down Curiosity: Kids stop asking “why” and simply copy answers, which limits creative and critical thinking.
Why Meaningful Learning is Better
Meaningful learning encourages children to understand the “why” behind concepts, connect ideas across topics, and apply knowledge to real-life situations. This not only improves academic performance but also builds problem-solving skills and resilience—traits that rote memorisation can never develop.
As Glenn emphasises through his ACE Method, helping kids make sense of what they’re learning—rather than just memorising—boosts both confidence and long-term success.
How the Glenn Lee Learning Centre (GLLC) Helps Students Thrive
Many tuition centres focus mainly on drilling and memorisation, but Glenn Lee Learning Centre (GLLC) takes a different approach. By focusing on understanding rather than rote learning, GLLC helps students build stronger foundations, improve confidence, and develop better study habits.
As Glenn explains:
“At GLLC, we take a deeper step to try to understand our students academically, identifying the areas of their weakness and strengths and from there we work on towards a goal.”
Instead of simply providing notes, GLLC tutors guide students to make their own concept maps, write notes in their own words, and explain concepts to others; a method proven to improve understanding and retention.
“We provide a bespoke and personalised approach, taking a further step to understand both the students and the parents and work towards academic excellence,” Glenn adds.
For parents looking to help their children break free from the cycle of memorisation, GLLC offers a personalised, concept-based approach designed to help kids learn smarter, not just harder.
