Mechanical learning (4)
I believe the answer is:
'mechanical learning' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for rote that I've seen before include "mindless activity?" , "Unthinking repetition" , "Memorisation by repetition" , "By . . . . - from memory without thought" , "Repetition for learners" .)