Repetitious learning (4)
I believe the answer is:
'repetitious 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 "By . . . . - from memory without thought" , "Memorisation by repetition" , "Unthinking repetition" , "performance based solely on routine" , "Mechanical repetition (as a means of learning)" .)