Mnemonic device what is

Interested in becoming more efficient and effective in learning and recalling information? Whether you're in elementary school, graduate school or everyday life, using these mnemonic pronounced ni-mahn-ik strategies—think of them as very effective memory tips —can make it easier to remember facts, and they can be applied to almost any subject.

Studying a second or third or fourth language? Multiple research studies have demonstrated that using the keyword mnemonic method improves learning and recall, especially in the area of foreign language. Here's how the keyword method works. First, you choose a keyword that somehow cues you to think of the foreign word.

Then, you imagine that keyword connected with the meaning of the word you're trying to learn. For example, if you're trying to learn the Spanish word for cat, which is gato, first think of a gate and then imagine the cat sitting on top of the gate.

Even though the "a" sound in gato is short and the "a" sound in gate is long, the beginnings are similar. Thus, the visualization and association should trigger the recall of the correct word. Chunking information is a mnemonic strategy that works by organizing information into more easily learned groups, phrases, words or numbers.

For example, memorizing the following number: will likely take a fair amount of effort. However, if it is chunked like this: , it becomes easier to remember. Interestingly, chunking is one of several mnemonic strategies that has been studied in people with mild Alzheimer's disease. Results from these studies concluded that chunking can be helpful in improving verbal working memory in the early stages of dementia.

One way to successfully encode the information into your brain is to use music. A well-known example is the "A-B-C" song, but there's no end to what you can learn when it's set to music. You can learn the countries of Africa, science cycles, memory verses, math equations and more. If you search online, you'll find that there are some songs already created specifically to help teach certain information, and for others, you'll have to make up your own.

And no, you don't have to be able to carry a tune or write the music out correctly for this mnemonic method to work. Music is also an effective tool for people with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Not only can the words of songs be remembered from their childhood even when other language ability is almost gone, but they can also learn new information more effectively if it's taught through music. Acronyms and acrostics are typically the most familiar type of mnemonic strategies.

Acronyms use a simple formula of a letter to represent each word or phrase that needs to be remembered. Or, if you're trying to memorize four different types of dementia, you might use this acronym: FLAV, which would represent frontotemporal , Lewy body , Alzheimer's, and vascular.

Notice that I ordered the list in such a way to more easily form a "word," which you would not do if the list you need to memorize is ordered. An acrostic uses the same concept as the acronym except that instead of forming a new "word," it generates a sentence that helps you remember the information.

This acrostic mnemonic represents the order of operations in algebra and stands for parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction. The cat and the fiddle The ability to memorize and remember nursery rhymes is often due in part to repetition and in part to rhyming. Rhyming words can be used as a mnemonic to help us learn and recall information.

Sometimes, you can rearrange words or substitute a different word with the same meaning to make them rhyme. Here are a few types of mnemonics commonly used:. Connection mnemonics are used when one can make a connection between something already known and the new thing to memorize. For example, imagine you meet a new boy named Brian who has a bowl cut. Sometimes, actual images and models are useful for visual learners, or learners who memorize well with graphs, charts, pictures, and similar devices.

For example, parts of a plot are often memorized more easily when arranged on a pyramid shape:. This type of mnemonic is self-explanatory: many of us simply remember better when music goes along with the phrase or concept we are learning. With this type of mnemonics, the first letters of the words within a phrase are used to form a name. Memorization of the name allows for memorization of the associated idea.

For example, Roy G. Biv is a name used to remember the colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. In this common type of mnemonic, the first letter of each word in the phrase is used to create new words with a memorable phrase. One simple way of remembering things better is simply organizing information. For example, see this outline of plot:. Spelling mnemonics are rules, patterns, or phrases used to remember certain difficult spellings.

By recalling specific imagery, it can help us recall information we associated with that imagery. Imagery usually works best with smaller pieces of information. Somatic experiencing may help you treat trauma-related symptoms. Although working with a therapist is recommended, you could also practice these 4…. Some people try supplements to ease symptoms of bipolar disorder. Learn more about which supplements may help, and which to avoid. People say it makes them calmer.

But can it make you sharper, mentally and physically healthier, sleep better, and feel less lonely? Find out what the…. Researchers have found that years of meditation can change the structure and function of the brain. Here's how. One great way to learn more about yourself is to write your thoughts in a journal. If you're not sure where to start, these prompts and tips! SAID: Snakes and insects dance. Examples of Order Mnemonics Often, we need to remember the specific order of things.

The Order of Taxonomy In science, species are organized under a number of categories. The order, from largest to most specific, is as follows: kingdom phylum class order family genus species To help students remember the order of taxonomy, the following sentence is often used: Kids prefer cheese over fried green spinach.

To help new students of music remember the order of the notes, the following sentence can be memorized: Every good boy deserves fun. For this, musical students often use this line: Good boys do fine, always.

The Order of the Great Lakes Mnemonics are also useful when studying geography. To remember the order of the Great Lakes from west to east, try: Super Man helps every one. The First Eight U. Presidents How about a little history? If you have a quiz coming up on the order of the presidents, you can easily remember the first eight with this sentence: Will a jolly man make a jolly visitor?

The Articles of the Constitution The United States Constitution has seven articles, or sections, which detail how the government works. The Value of Pi We saved the best for last. Examples of Acronym Mnemonics Acronyms are short words formed by a series of letters. The Spectrum of Colors The spectrum of colors are as follows: red orange yellow green blue indigo violet They can be remembered using this acronym: ROY G.

Tim Hall Pvt. It is: Rest the injured area. Ice the sprain. Compress with a wrap or bandage.