You know what? I was a believer of rote learning before while I was in the University and I realized it wasn't helping me because I was reading just to pass my exams and after then, I forget anything about the course. I became serious and would study to understand even after many years. I am a fast learner and get things quickly.
Yes, every individual have one method or even two they use to study and would grasp information quickly.
Learning continues and each day, we learn something new.