Knowing the sequence of music scales is essential to reading sheet music. One would not say the individual did not learn to read sheet music simply because he or she memorized the scales, rather than gain this knowledge through a different technique. As aforementioned, like any other forms of learning, repetition and practice is a necessity to maintain and strengthen the connections already developed through memorization.
In relation to memorizing notes for a class exam, this technique may still be considered as a form of learning. The difference is this form of learning does not consistently offer substantial results as students may easily memorize the information, and then neglect the connection that was created by not returning to the material after the exam. Though these connections may be easily weakened, it is not to say that the individual did not learn at the time he or she memorized the