Actually, I have been apalled at how LITTLE rote memorization my kids have done in school. For instance, my daughter was in fits of confusion over the multiplication facts. The teachers were telling her many different "shortcuts" to help her remember the facts. It wasn't until I told her to forget the "shortcuts," and began drilling her every evening (rote memorization) that she finally began to learn the facts.Bullypulpit said:Actually, a large part of the problem lies with the simple fact that our schools fail to provide our children with the critical thinking skills they need to make sound decisions about sex, money, science, religion or anything else. All they serve up is rote memorization in preparation for standardized tests. And once the information is regurgitated, it's forgotten. Bring back education in the classics as well as a solid foundation in the basics, including human reproduction, and we'll be alot better off.