Understanding vs Memorising: The Method 2 Maths Approach
Understanding vs Memorising – The Method2Maths Approach
When it comes to studying maths, many students fall into the trap of thinking it’s all about memorising formulas and repeating steps.
While that might get you through some homework or even part of an exam, it isn’t the same as truly learning and it won’t get you top marks in your final exams!
At Method2Maths, we believe the real difference between struggling and thriving in maths comes down to one thing: understanding over memorising.
Why Memorising Falls Short
Memorising feels safe. You can copy down a formula, repeat it a few times, and it looks like progress. The problem is, maths exam questions rarely present themselves in exactly the same way you practised.
A small twist in wording, a new context, or a different format can throw off students who rely only on memory.
If it were easy you could see why so many people do it, but memorising solutions isn’t a passive process, it requires effort.
Instead, take that energy and put it into understanding, it will feel more difficult in the short term but will give you far better results long term!
The Power of Understanding
Understanding is different. When you know why a formula works, or how a method connects to a concept you’ve already mastered, you don’t just learn one path, you build a map.
This means you can adjust when the problem changes, spot mistakes more easily, and feel more confident in your exam.
For example: when you understand what the absolute value function (modulus) is or what a derivative is actually finding, you are no longer memorising how to solve/interpret these questions, it naturally follows from your understanding.
Our Approach at Method2Maths
We put understanding first. That doesn’t mean ignoring practice, far from it. It means making sure every piece of practice connects to reasoning. Here’s how:
- Reasoning before speed: Fast doesn’t mean smart. We slow things down to make sure the “why” is clear, before building up speed and confidence.
- Multiple paths, same answer: Maths problems can often be solved in different ways. By exploring alternatives, students see that flexibility is part of real problem-solving.
- Mistakes = learning plan: Every wrong answer is valuable feedback. Instead of panicking, we use errors to identify what needs work and turn weaknesses into progress.
Beyond the Exam
Yes, exams test knowledge, but they also test adaptability. Questions are deliberately designed to see if you can apply what you know in new ways.
Understanding equips students for this; memorising does not.
Even beyond exams, problem-solving, reasoning, and logical thinking are skills that last a lifetime. Employers in every field value them, and maths is one of the best training grounds.
The Takeaway
Memorising is like building on sand, it may hold up for a while, but it won’t last under pressure.
Understanding is the foundation that allows students not only to succeed in exams but to carry confidence and skills forward into further study, careers, and everyday life.
At Method2Maths, that’s the approach we teach: less memorising, more understanding.
Lisa Bermingham 4 min read