MEMORY AND LEARNING TECHNIQUES How to store information in our memory Add: attractiveness emotions fantasy (especially with ADHD students)
Learning Techniques Mnemonics Mnemonics are types of learning methods that help retain larger pieces of information (words, phrases, sentences, set of numbers etc.). Students who regularly use mnemonic devices increase test scores up to 77%. There are many types of mnemonics and which works the best is up to individual imagination of each learner.
9 BASIC TYPES OF MNEMONICS 1. Music mnemonics
Many learners make songs out of information which they have to learn. You can make a song or jingle using any type of music you choose for any list of items. It works the best with long lists. Examples: A common example is how children remember the alphabet by singing the ABC song. Other children learn all the states (USA) in alphabetical order using the “50 Nifty United States” song. (For lyrics see appendix I)
2. Name mnemonics
The first letter of each word is combined into a new word. Examples: A) ROY G BIV - for the colours of the rainbow (spectrum) – Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet. B) HOMES for the Great Lakes of America - Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior.
3. Expression or word mnemonics
This is by far the most popularly used mnemonic. The first letter of each word is combined to form a phrase, sentence or a word. This method can be applied in any kind of study (Physics, English, Math, Biology, Media etc.) 1
Examples: In English the 7 coordinating conjunctions are For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So = FANBOYS. In Math – the order of operations for math is Parentheses, Exponents, Multiply, Divide, Add, and Subtract = PLEASE EXCUSE MY DEAR AUNT SALLY.
4. Model mnemonics
A model is used to help recall information. There are various types of models, for example: - a circular sequence model
•
a pyramid model of stages
•
a pie chart
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•
a mind map
Mind map is supposed to be one of the best tools used for better learning. They are graphic processing imitations of processes in the brain and are designed so that the brain uses the maximum of its abilities. “It is a diagram used to visually organize information. A mind map is often created around a single concept, drawn as an image in the centre of a blank landscape page, to which associated representations of ideas such as images, words and parts of words are added. Major ideas are connected directly to the central concept, and other ideas branch out from those.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map) Advantages and disadvantages of mind mapping The main advantage of mind mapping is mainly the fact that thanks to it, we learn better and remember more. It clearly depicts the details and it allows the brain to perceive the issue comprehensively. The main disadvantages are not allowing adding more text into the existing mind map. The mind map is usually centred on only one topic. Furthermore, it is not always easy to fully understand somebody else’s map. This technique especially suits people with a visual type of memory (90% of the population). However, it discriminates auditory, communicative and motor type of memory. Lastly, not all existing topics can appear hierarchically, therefore, mind map cannot be used.
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5. Ode or rhyme mnemonics
The information needed to remember is placed into a poem. Examples: A) A commonly used rhyme mnemonic for the number of days in each month: 30 days hath September, April, June and November. All the rest have 31, except for February which has 28 or 29 in each leap year. There are about 90 variations of this poem (http://leapyearday.com/content/days-monthpoem) and you can also find it on www.youtube.com. B) A rhyme: In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.
6. Note organization mnemonics
The method of note organization can be used as a memorization technique. The way textbooks and lecture notes are organized can inhibit learning and recall or promote it. A) Notecards They are easy ways to organize main ideas and relevant details to be recalled. The best option is to write a possible test question on one side and the answer on the other side. When there is a need to have more topics covered, it is advisable to separate them according to the topics. Great thing is to use different colour notecards for different topics.
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B) Outlines Outlines clearly separate main ideas from details. This helps organize the information in the mind making it easier to remember. STORY BUILDING I. Writing Process (Building a House) A. Prewriting (Create a Blueprint) 1. Consider your audience a. Length b. Reading level c. Subject d. Main character B. Story components 1. Setting 2. Main characters……Etc.
C) Cornell system The Cornel system is another way to use a note organization mnemonic to promote recall. A vertical line is drawn 6cms from the left margin of notebook paper. Main ideas or questions from them are placed to the left of the line and details or answers placed to the right with summary at the bottom.
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7. Image mnemonics
The information is constructed into the form of a picture. The sillier the picture is, the easier it is to recall the related information. These images may be mental or sketched into texts and lecture notes. Your artistic skills are not important as long as you know what your sketch means. Examples: A) Drawing a sketch: To remember periodic table – Fr = francium
B) Picture sth. in your mind: Picture meeting someone new at a party named John Horsley. Use an image mnemonic to help you remember his name. Visualize a horse sitting on John: not pretty but effective in recall.
8. Connection mnemonics
New knowledge is connected to knowledge already known. Examples: A) Remembering the direction of longitude and latitude is easier to do when you realize that lines on a globe that run North and South are long and that coincides with LONGitude. Another connection mnemonics points out that there is an N in LONGitude and N in North. Latitude lines must run east to west, then. There is no N in latitude. B) Another connection mnemonic is related to sound. The 1st part of the word latitude sounds like flat and flat runs horizontal or East and West.
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9. Spelling mnemonics Examples:
A) A principal at a school is your pal, and a principle you believe or follow is a rule. B) Other spelling mnemonics are usually combined with other mnemonics: Spelling + Rhyme/Ode mnemonic: I before e except after c or when sounding like a in neighbour and weigh Spelling + rhythm mnemonic: M-iss-iss-ipp-i Other types: GEOGRAPHY: George Edwards Old Grandma Rode A Pig Home Yesterday SASKATCHEWAN: Ask At Chew An with an S in front of it.
TIP: Easy way to remember 9 basic types of mnemonics: Take the 1st letter of each type of mnemonic listed above and write them below on the line…. ___________________________________________
The topic used is from Student Academic Resource Centre of University of Central Florida. 7
OTHER MNEMONIC SYSTEMS There are other mnemonic systems that are worth knowing about. These include Major system and method of LOCI.
Major system
Major system is the star of the memory techniques. Besides the possibility to store a huge amount of information it is used mainly to remember numbers. Numbers are elusive for our memory, so the numbers from 0 to 100 are replaced by images. It's not just random pictures; the entire major system adheres to clear rules. The system works by converting numbers into consonant sounds, then into words by adding vowels. Each numeral is associated with one or more consonants. Vowels and the consonants w, h, and y are ignored. These can be used as "fillers" to make sensible words from the resulting consonant sequences. The only thing a learner has to do is to memorize which numbers are associated with which letters and a good tip is to have a small database of words (images) that he/she could use. How to use the system: To create images first you need to replace the numbers from 0 to 9 with consonants, which we complete with vowels and it will create keywords = our pictures. The pictures are usually nouns that are easy to imagine. Keywords for the numbers 1 to 10 are always monosyllabic; the others up to 100 are two-syllable ones.
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Now you need to create keywords from 1 to 100, which are being used as part of your major system. When choosing the right words sometimes you get a connection that is not so easy to create, because the combination of consonants is not ideal. This way you can make your system of 100 keywords. You can also use already made concepts. Here is an example of one. You can find another one in Appendix II. 1-digit numbers 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 noun hose hat hen home arrow whale shoe cow hoof pie verb sew hate know aim row heal chew hook view buy adjective easy hot new yummy hairy oily itchy gay heavy happy 2 - digit numbers 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 noun daisy tattoo tuna dome diary tail dish dog dove tuba verb tease edit widen time draw tell teach take defy type adjective dizzy tight wooden tame dry tall whitish thick deaf deep See the rest of the table in Appendix II The Major System can be combined with a peg system for remembering lists, and is sometimes used also as a method of generating the pegs. It can also be combined with other memory techniques such as rhyming, substitute words, or the method of loci. Repetition and concentration using the ordinary memory is still required. An advantage of the major system is that it is possible to use a computer to automatically translate the number into a set of words. One can then pick the best of several alternatives. Such programmes include "Numzi" "Rememberg" "Fonbee",the freeware "2Know" and the website "pinfruit". Example: To remember a number 101417 First divide the number into 10,14,17 – then create a sentence, you can use the chart from Wikipedia. Daisy drew a dog. = 101417 10 – Daisy 14 – draw (You can change the tenses in verbs). 17 – a dog You can use this method as you wish but dividing long numbers into chunks is the way. 9
Method of LOCI Roman Loci system or method of storage paths (also called memory palace or mind palace) is one of the most brilliant memory techniques of all. The basis of this system is to create a kind of memory path with a number of logically-arranged points. The points of our way will help us remember information. A lot of memory contest champions claim to use this technique to recall faces, digits, and lists of words. Paths can be created anywhere, at home, on the way to work, at a cottage, on holiday or just in your imagination. Example: Create a memory tour of your flat/house. 1) First you need to create the journey (the points). The first point will be the front door, then the coat hanger next to it, a bit further a mirror, then you will walk around the wardrobe, you will enter the living room where your next point will be the armchair, a lamp standing next to it and the last point will be the sofa. 2) You need to go through the journey (the points) a couple times in your imagination (your mind) to remember how the points go after each other. 3) Suppose you need to remember what you have to arrange before leaving on holiday: • vaccination against hepatitis • purchase tickets • change money • go to the dentist • buy sun cream • buy sunglasses • get new swimsuit •
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• •
To remember that you need to be vaccinated - you join your first point, door, with vaccination. You can imagine how you throw a syringe at the door as if it was an arrow. (If you would like to reinforce the fact that you need a vaccination against hepatitis, you may have to think of throwing a yellow colour at the door or throwing yolks at it). The next point, a coat hanger, could be connected with small models of airplanes that are flying around the hooks; after all you have to remember that you need to purchase tickets. You can visualize third point, the mirror, full of banknotes attached to it and put around the frame so that you almost cannot see yourself. You hear the annoying sound of a drill, and when you open the wardrobe’s door, you see your dentist, who has made his office out of your wardrobe. 10
• • •
In the living room you want to sit in the armchair, but you slide down. It is covered with a sunscreen. Next to the armchair is the lamp which has hundreds of sunglasses hanging on it and they are shading the light. Lastly, you want to sit on the leather sofa but it is covered with wet swimsuits therefore, you have to sit on wet sofa.
In the end you should go through the journey once more and you should try to imagine it as much vividly as possible. It will help to use all your senses, imagine colours, smells, noises, sounds and movements in the room. Application: Storage path will allow you to save unlimited number of things in your memory. It is good to try to create multiple storage paths and practise creating associations. When you have gained some experience it’s possible to use the storage (memory paths for more complex information, e.g. for presentations, arguments, lists, graduation state examinations or tests.
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MY PERSONAL FAVOURITE MNEMONIC TECHNIQUES FOR REMEMBERING NUMBERS A sentence with a rhyme The point of this method (when trying to remember numbers) is to create a helping sentence through which you can remember complex information. Example: 1) To remember the number π (Pi number – mathematical constant): 3,1415926 Create a sentence that will help you recall it. Choose words that have the same amount of letters as are in each number. I will show it on a Czech example. Don’t forget that when there is a rhyme involved a person’s memory works better.
Lín a kapr u hráze prohlédli si rybáře. 3 1 4 1 5 9 2 6 Another system that I like is creating stories, in which I use numbers that I need to learn/ remember. Example: 1) To remember this 20 digit number: 67930281527746283951. Divide this long number into chunks (best way is to have 1, 2, 3 or 4 digit numbers). The division in completely up to you how you see it fit. -
I divided it like this: 67,930,2815,277,462,83,95,1 After you divide it, create a story where you will use each of these numbers: this is my story:
67 flying horses were seen to fly 930kms in the year 2815 and therefore, people came to a conclusion that the whole number of living flying horses is not 277 but the number is close to 462 so the 83 scientist that have been working on the research will be sacked and 95 new ones will be employed to create 1 new study. -
Last step is to tell the story aloud or in your mind couple times and you will be able to remember it.
This system (creating stories) makes you store the information in your long term memory. I have personally tried it and it works. I can still recall the whole story (with the numbers) after couple months from when I learned it.
GOOD LUCK
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APPENDIX I
Fifty Nifty United States Fifty nifty United States from thirteen original colonies; Fifty nifty stars in the flag that billows so beautifully in the breeze. Each individual state contributes a quality that is great. Each individual state deserves a bow, we salute them now.
Fifty nifty United States from thirteen original colonies, Shout 'em, scout 'em, Tell all about 'em, One by one till we've given a day to every state in the U.S.A.
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut; Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana; Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan; Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada; New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio; Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas; Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Al -a -o ming.
North, south, east, west, in our calm, objective opinion, (name of home state) is the best of the Fifty nifty United States from thirteen original colonies, Shout 'em, scout 'em, Tell all about 'em, One by one till we've given a day to every state in the good old U. S. A.
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APPENDIX II
MAJOR SYSTEM - Example words 1-digit pegs 0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
noun
hose hat hen home arrow whale shoe cow hoof pie
verb
sew hate know aim
row
heal chew hook view buy
adjective easy hot new yummy hairy oily
itchy gay heavy happy
2-digit pegs 00
01
02
03
noun
sauce seed
sun
verb
assess swat
assign assume
adjective sissy
sad
sumo
04
05
soap
sorrow sell
switch
soak
save
sob
swishy
sick
savvy
tape
slow
12
13
14
noun
daisy
tattoo
tuna
dome
diary
tail
verb
tease edit
widen
time
draw dry
20
21
noun
nose
verb
ionize unite
adjective noisy 30
net
neat 31
09
sofa
snowy awesome sorry
wooden tame
08
sewage sky
11
tight
07
sierra soil
10
adjective dizzy
06
24
15
17
18
dish
dog
dove
tuba
tell
teach
take
defy
type
tall
whitish
thick deaf
deep
26
27
28
nacho
neck
knife
19
22
23
onion
enemy
winery nail
nanny
name
honour inhale enjoy
knock envy
nab
neon
numb
narrow annual nudgy
naggy naïve
wannabe
32
33
34
25
16
35
36
37
38
29 honeybee
39
noun
mouse meadow moon
mummy emery mole
match
mug
verb
amuse meet
mine
mime
marry mail
mash
mock move
adjective messy mute
mean
mum
merry male
mushy
mucky mauve wimpy
14
movie map mop
40
41
noun
rice
verb
erase read
road
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
urine
rum
aurora railway roach
rag
roof
ruin
ram
rear
rule
reach
rake
arrive wrap
rich
rocky rough ripe
adjective rosy
ready
runny
haram
rare
royal
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
rope
58
59
noun
louse
lady
lion
lime
lorry
lily
leech
leg
lava
lip
verb
lose
tell
align
loom
lure
lull
latch
lick
love
help
elite
alien
lame
leery
loyal
yellowish lucky leafy
64
65
adjective lazy 60
61
62
63
66
67
loopy
68
69
noun
cheese cheetah chin
gem
shrew chilli
cha-cha chick chef
verb
chase cheat
chain
jam
jury
judge
check achieve chop
shiny
sham
cherry jolly
Jewish
shaky chief
72
73
74
adjective choosy chatty 70
71
chill
75
76
77
78
jeep
cheap 79
noun
goose cat
coin
game
crow
clay
cage
cake
cave
cube
verb
kiss
quote
weaken comb
carry
kill
coach
cook give
copy
adjective cosy
good
keen
grey
cool
catchy
quick goofy
agape
80
81
82
noun
vase
video
verb
fuse
adjective fussy
gummy 83
84
fan
ovum
fairy
fool
veggie
fig
fife
vibe
fight
fine
fume
fry
fly
fetch
fake
viva
fob
fat
funny
foamy
furry
foul
fishy
foggy fave
fab
90
91
92
93
94
noun
boss
bead
pony
puma
berry
verb
oppose bite
ban
bomb
bony
balmy
adjective busy
bad
85
95
86
87
88
89
96
97
98
99
bell
pouch
bike
beef
pipe
bury
peel
patch
poke pave
pop
pro
blue
bushy
back puffy
baby
The chart is taken from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mnemonic_major_system 15
Another 100 WORD BANK THE MAJOR SYSTEM PEG WORDS 1
Tie
23
Nemo
45
Rail
67
Jug
89
Fob
2
Noah
24
Nero
46
Ridge
68
Chef
90
Bus
3
Mo
25
Nail
47
Rake
69
Jeep
91
Bat
4
Ray
26
Niche
48
Roof
70
Case
92
Bin
5
Lee
27
Neck
49
Rope
71
Cat
93
Bomb
6
Ash
28
Knife
50
Lace
72
Caine
94
Bear
7
Key
29
Nib
51
Light
73
Comb
95
Bell
8
Fee
30
Mouse
52
Lion
74
Car
96
Badge
9
Bee
31
Mat
53
Lamb
75
Coal
97
Book
10
Toes
32
Mine
54
Lorry
76
Cage
98
Beef
11
Ted
33
Mime
55
Lulu
77
Cake
99
Baby
12
Tin
34
Mower
56
Latch
78
Cuff
0
Ozzy
13
Tomb
35
Mole
57
Lock
79
Cop
00
Zeus
14
Tyre
36
Match
58
Leaf
80
Fez
01
Suit
15
Doll
37
Mic
59
Lip
81
Fit
02
Swan
16
Dish
38
Movie
60
Cheese
82
Fan
03
Sumo
17
Tack
39
Mop
61
Jet
83
Foam
04
Zorro
18
Dove
40
Rose
62
Chain
84
Fire
05
Seal
19
Tape
41
Rat
63
Jam
85
File
06
Sash
20
Nose
42
Rain
64
Chair
86
Fish
07
Sock
21
Net
43
Ram
65
Gel
87
Fig
08
Sofa
22
Nun
44
Rower
66
Judge
88
Fife
09
Soap
This example of 100 words bank is taken from: http://www.real-memory-improvement.com/themajor-system-peg-words.html 16
