Mnemonics Learning technique - How to use it with example
Mnemonics are a memory aid that uses a memorable word or phrase to help you remember a list of items or a sequence of information. It works by making the information more memorable and easier to recall by linking it to something that is already familiar and easy to remember.
Steps to use Mnemonics:
- Identify what you want to remember: This could be a list of items, a sequence of information, or any other information you want to remember
- Create a mnemonic: Create a memorable phrase or word that is related to the information you want to remember. For example, if you want to remember the planets in our solar system, you could use the mnemonic "My very eager mother just served us nine pizzas" to remember the order of the planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto.
- Practice recalling the information: Practice recalling the information using the mnemonic.
- Repeat: Keep repeating the process until the information is memorized.
Mnemonics Best uses:
- Mnemonics are best used for memorizing lists of items or sequences of information.
- Mnemonics are useful for subjects where memorization is a key component such as history, vocabulary, and mathematics.
- Mnemonics can be used for self-study and to prepare for exams and quizzes.
Mnemonics Cautions:
- Mnemonics can be time-consuming to create, so they may not be the best method for very large amounts of information.
- Mnemonics can be ineffective if not used properly. It's important to practice recalling the information using the mnemonic and not just rely on it.
- Mnemonics can be less effective if not combined with active engagement techniques such as elaboration, self-explanation and understanding of the material.
- Mnemonics can be less effective if the memorized information has to be used in context.
Practical example Mnemonics
how a mnemonic can be used to memorize a list of historical dates:
Identify what you want to remember: In this case, let's say you want to remember the dates of important events in American history.
Create a mnemonic: Create a memorable phrase or word that is related to the information you want to remember. For example, you could use the mnemonic "Never Eat Soggy Wheat" to remember the date of four important events in American history:
- 1776 (Declaration of Independence) = N
- 1865 (End of the Civil War) = E
- 1861 (Outbreak of the Civil War) = S
- 1929 (Stock Market Crash) = W
Practice recalling the information: Practice recalling the information using the mnemonic. In this example, you would need to practice associating "Never Eat Soggy Wheat" with the historical dates 1776, 1865, 1861, and 1929.
Repeat: Keep repeating the process until the information is memorized. You can review the mnemonic and the historical dates at increasing intervals using spaced repetition method to ensure that the information stays in your long-term memory.
By using a mnemonic, you can make the historical dates more memorable and easier to recall by linking them to something that is already familiar and easy to remember. Mnemonics can be an effective tool for memorizing lists of information, but it's important to practice recalling the information using the mnemonic and not just rely on it, also it's recommended to use it in conjunction with other methods such as elaboration, self-explanation, and understanding of the material to ensure deeper understanding and long-term retention.