The memorization means that you can extrapolate the more complex concepts. If you don't have the very basics, what are you even going to extrapolate on?
It does not mean that. It means you can parrot a number if it came from the memorized set.
How has this enabled you to engage in higher-level thinking instead of syntax correctness?
(I saw this pattern first hand with 100s of students while teaching intro cs)
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my current favorite definition for The Singularity is the point at which humans give up critical thinking and have decided deferring to Ai is the better idea, social media being a stepping stone on that path that primed us for the outsourcing
much of the commentary under this submission has me thinking we are well on our way in this journey