For trained-rat activity, just following procedures is fine. However, for higher-level accomplishment, it is necessary to recognize concepts that aren't spelled out. Without that recognition ability, a student can never move beyond being told what to do and when to do it.
Recognition skill can be developed through either rote work, pattern development, or memorization. Whatever path is taken, the end result will be memorization, if it's done correctly.
Higher-level, conceptual understanding cannot take place until the brain is developed sufficiently, starting about age 12. Before that, memorization builds the foundation. Without a foundation, the kids with math are like balloons without tethers — they have these grand concepts but they cannot multiply. Makes no sense.