Mnemonics

Mnemonics are called artificial aids to memory because they have little to no relationship with the content to be recalled. They are tricks for remembering logically disconnected items. When knowledge has any structure it is best to use other learning strategies.

Mnemonics are methods for remembering information that is otherwise difficult to recall.

Mnemonics use association, imagery, and location to aid in learning and recall.

In this module we will cover the four most widely used and researched mnemonics: keyword, chain, loci, and single use.

Keyword is a word that sounds like the new word to be learned and is easily pictured. It has two subtypes. Chain is used to recall strings or chains of things in order, and has three subtypes. Method of loci uses the technique of visualizing items in a familiar place. Single-use coding creates an acronym or sentence with the first letters of each word to be recalled.

You have probably used the chain mnemonic. The rhyme for remembering the number of days in each month of the year is a story subtype of the chain mnemonic.  

Objectives

• Identify four types of the most widely used mnemonics.
• Apply a keyword, chaining, method of loci, or single use technique to the appropriate materials to be recalled.
• Create a script to demonstrate the use of mnemonics.