Mnemonics

The purpose of mnemonics is to help students learn new material and assist in the memory of past learning.

Types of Mnemonics

Mnemonics can be found in many forms:

• Acronym: A word created using the first letter of each word on the important information. Example: KISS (keep it short and simple).
• Acrostic: Sentence in which the first letter of each word connects with the intended-to-be-recalled information. Example: Every Good Boy Does Fine (E, G, B, D, F are the line notes in the treble clef).
• Chaining: Intertwine items to be remembered into a story.
• Keyword: Associate two items using mental imagery.
• Rhymes and Phrases: Catchy phrases or jingles used to remember. Example: I before E, except after C, or when sounded as A, as in neighbor or weigh.

Evidence

Below is a list of some of the evidences of using mnemonics:

• Individuals who use mnemonics learn 2 to 3 times more than those who use more rote memorization techniques. 
• Factual information can be more easily applied when mnemonics are used to acquire the information. 
• Mnemonics create links or associations between new information and information already stored in long-term memory.  

Implementation Tips

There are many creative ways that you could use mnemonics, below is a non-exhaustive list of ideas of how you could implement mnemonics into your course:

• During class, students create Mnemonic devices to remember a topic from class. Then have them share their mnemonic with the class.  
• Create a few mnemonics for the class to remember. This can be a song or an acronym depending on what you want to do.  

Reference

• Persky, A. M. (2012). Pocket guide for evidence-based instruction. Educational Blueprints, LLC.