Mastery (or taking a few notches down, competence) has both a memorization, and application component. Can't get around that. The problem is that people assume that the memorization component must be learned by memorizing, and that the application component by applying. Rather, the memorization component comes from applying, and the application flows from memorization.
You're ability to apply your knowledge to the world hinges on your ability to remember what your knowledge is. Even now, when you just 'google it', that relies on your memory of broad concepts and ideas. Recognition IS memory (a specific kind of memory anyways).
So yeah, on one hand, over the top tests of memorization is ridiculous, since it just results in everyone cramming, and then forgetting 3 hours after the final, and then when the next course rolls around building on the knowledge, you lose 3 weeks doing review, you can't get away from memorization, or testing your memory in school.
You're ability to apply your knowledge to the world hinges on your ability to remember what your knowledge is. Even now, when you just 'google it', that relies on your memory of broad concepts and ideas. Recognition IS memory (a specific kind of memory anyways).
So yeah, on one hand, over the top tests of memorization is ridiculous, since it just results in everyone cramming, and then forgetting 3 hours after the final, and then when the next course rolls around building on the knowledge, you lose 3 weeks doing review, you can't get away from memorization, or testing your memory in school.