But, even hands-on techniques and models drawing can be memorized

This is from the article, Elementary math lessons in Wentzville will change to Singapore method, in STLtoday.com by Jessica Bock.

WENTZVILLE — Singapore is coming to Wentzville in the form of math lessons.
Educators hope Singapore math will help develop students who are mathematical thinkers, rather than memorizers. The method has gained interest from teachers in the United States in the last decade.

Find Singapore here.