Mnemonic Devices

 

Mnemonic devices are often used when information needs to be memorized rather than understood. Mnemonic devices can improve recall when artificial connections need to be made rather than logical connections. However, mnemonic devices can take large amounts of time to learn, can be forgotten easily, and do not work when memorizing technical terms. When using a mnemonic device, the mnemonic must be simple and clear.  Below are several mnemonic devices you may want to try.

 

Acronyms. Creating an acronym for a list of words to be remembered is a common mnemonic device. Taking the first letter of each word and creating a word or phrase from the list of words can improve the recall of these items. FACE is an example of an acronym used to remember the spaces on the treble clef.

 

Rhymes and Songs. Creating a rhyme or song for a set of material can enhance recall as well. This technique is especially useful for musical learners who remember best by lyrics. A common rhyme is: “In fourteen hundred and ninety- two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.”

 

Loci system. The loci system is very useful when a list of items must be remembered in a particular order or when giving a speech. The loci system requires visualizing the to be remembered item with a familiar location. For example, if trying to remember the United States presidents, visualize each president at a particular point in your journey to class. Start with George Washington in the hallway outside your residence hall room and end up with George W. Bush sitting in your 9:00 a.m. class.

 

When using a mnemonic device,  make sure that the mnemonic is well learned because during stressful situations such as exams, mnemonics are easily forgotten.

Study Strategies Guidebook