Blindly memorizing multiplication facts does not guarantee understanding. On the other hand a simple exercise, drawing pictures of multiplication facts, helps students understand multiplication as a unique binary operation. Young pupils usually are able to draw sets of relatively parallel horizontal and vertical lines. If a pupil can count the points of intersection in such a drawing then that student can always come up with the correct answer. Once multiplication is understood, the facts can be committed to memory.
Mastery means the ability to respond with correct answers rapidly.
It takes practice to master ideas like multiplication facts. A stands for Application Application can be described as using learned concepts and skills to solve never before encountered problems or exercises. An example of applying the ideas of per cent is to compute answers for questions involving sales tax. Another is calculating interest earned. The best way to guarantee retention is to have students do periodic, spaced review.