I heard at one point that Jewish children in Bible times were required to memorize some insane amount of scripture. Something like the entire Torah (the first 5 books of the Bible now) by the age of 11.
I went and looked it up to see if my recollection was correct. I haven’t found it anywhere in my research yet, so I’m guessing it’s not true, but I did find this other article about Jewish memorization and education.
So much of what’s talked about in the article reminds me of the Classical Conversations method. A lot of really good stuff. The part that stood out to me most was a small section talking about verbal recitation.
“Learning (and reading for all ancients) always consisted of verbal recitation aloud. To emphasize the necessity of learning aloud, “The Talmud tells of a pupil who learned his tasks without repeating the words aloud, and who therefore had within three years forgotten all that he had learned.” The reason all learning and reading took place aloud was because it was believed to help in retention and comprehension, ‘…the student could thereby ascertain whether the ideas clear and well-arranged in his mind.’”
Several observations from this.
First
I can see the truth behind this in my own life. When I was in North Carolina in the missionary training program, I preached through basically the entire book of 1st John. This is by far the portion of scripture I know best and the section that I most often reference when talking with others. While of course the research helps in becoming more knowledgeable about certain subjects, I am confident that the reason 1st John sticks so well into my brain to this day is because I preached the book out loud and also memorized most of it out loud. I didn’t quietly study by myself.
Second
I want to take a second and understand the weight of this: “without repeating the words aloud…within three years forgotten all that he had learned.”
What’s the point of public schools again? …
Apart from any other problems I already have with the public school system, this practically makes everything in public school a complete waste of time. For that matter, it makes most teaching lose its value.
It inspires me to think of more innovative ways to teach. How can I teach and get people more involved? How can I get them to learn out loud?
Another simple exercise that will help you understand how true this is: The next time you meet someone new, instead of saying “hi, what’s your name?” And then forgetting their name the second you walk away. Make it a practice to say their name at least three times in the little conversation you have with the person.
You’ll be amazed at how many more names you’ll remember.
Learn out Loud.
It won’t fail you.