No, memorization is not the same as learning. You can probably tell me what cells are in the pancreas just by memorizing 3 words. But can you tell me what they do, how they do it, and what they are used for?
For this level...sure it is.
For the purpose of taking an EMT test or being an EMT (for that matter), it is the same. What depth of learning are you concerned with? There are several levels. The level OneCrazyKid108 needs does not require a deep understanding of every metabolic process in the body.
For instance the EMT student may need to know that Platelets in the blood are the components that cause blood to clot. He can memorize it, and for the sake of his test, that is all he needs to know. Does he need to understand the 12 or so steps in the metabolic pathway that causes blood to clot? No, he does not. He just needs to know that platelets help blood to clot. So if he memorizes that, then he has in fact learned what he needs to know and has successfully accomplished what he set out to do. So here is the question on his test...
What component in the blood is needed to form blood clots?
A) Plasma.
B) Red blood cells.
C) White blood cells.
D) Platelets
Since he memorized the word he has LEARNED it. And for the sake of his test, that is all he needs.
If he wrote this question out himself, I guarantee he will never forget it.
Therefore, I rest my case. For the EMT student, memorizing words and definitions on this level is the equivalent of learning them, because their application on this level is relatively simplistic.
You are a paramedic and the level of understanding has a higher demand that requires you to have a deeper understanding of such metabolic processes. Yet, to a Physiologist, a paramedic's understanding of the pancreas may be simplistic to him, and that is why there are several levels of understanding and learning. It can be made simple or so complex that no one can understand it.
Just my two cents.
Cheers.
