27/01/2022
9 Types of Mnemonics for Better Memory Mnemonics are memory devices that help learners recall larger pieces of information, especially in the form of lists like characteristics, steps, stages, parts, etc. We knew back in 1967 from a study by Gerald R. Miller that mnemonics increased recall. He found that students who regularly used mnemonic devices increased test scores up to 77%! Many types of mnemonics exist and which type works best is limited only by the imagination of each individual learner. The 9 basic types of mnemonics presented in this handout include Music, Name, Expression/Word, Model, Ode/Rhyme, Note Organization, Image, Connection, and Spelling Mnemonics.
1. Music Mnemonics How many lyrics to songs do you remember? How did you come to remember them? Music is a powerful memory technique and it can work just as well in school, also. Many learners have made songs out of information when a list of items must be learned. Advertising on radio and TV uses this technique to help potential customers remember their products when shopping. You can make a song or jingle using any type of music you choose for any list of items. Music Mnemonics work best with long lists. For example, some children learn the ABC’s by singing the “ABC” song. Other children learn all the states in alphabetical order using the “50 Nifty United States” song.
2. In a Name Mnemonic, the 1st letter of each word in a list of items is used to make a name of a person or thing. An example is: a. ROY G. BIV = colors of the spectrum (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet.)
