We often mistake "work hard" with "memorize" so let's talk about understanding versus memorization. Everybody seems to agree that conceptual understanding is more important than memorization alone. However, when the time comes, we all just try to memorize the thing and be done with it. Why?

Study harder, cram more facts and formulas into the head, and do more drill-and-kill exercises...

 

It does help if you study harder. However, it just doesn't help as much as we wish. For many students, it's almost impossible to achieve algebra success within the time allocated for the curriculum by hard work alone.

 

Why do we do it if it doesn't work? What should we do if not work hard?

 

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