Part 5/11:
Loh criticizes the current emphasis on "cramming" for tests, which he views as detrimental to genuine learning. The prevalent industry around test preparation encourages hours of repetitive practice—hoping students can recognize patterns or memorize tricks—rather than cultivating flexible thinking. He argues this approach stifles creativity and limits a student's opportunity to invent solutions.
He recounts that, during his early days in math competitions, mental flexibility was key—viewing each problem as a chance to develop new ways of thinking. Today, however, systemic focus favors rote learning, which hampers long-term problem-solving skills and innovation.