My ab-initio single engine training required me to have all check commited to memory before going solo (I can still remember them all these years later).
From the point of GA multi engine training I have always used checklists however. Most of the GA and smaller turboprop checklists where so long that there was no room for common sense, and addressed items which were seldom of any importance.
The smallest checklist I have ever used is on the largest type I have flown (high capacity jet) 🤔