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What are Mnemonics and How Do I Use Them?
Mnemonics are memory devices that help
learners recall larger pieces of information, especially in the form of lists
like characteristics, steps, stages, parts, phases, etc. According to a study
by Gerald R. Miller, mnemonics increased recall. He found that students who
regularly used mnemonic devices increased test scores up to 77%!
As a student I used mnemonics on a regular basis not only for my
medical/dental classes but also with learning music and art. For example to
learn the lines and spaces of a music bar, I used a mnemonic my teacher taught
me.
As seen above, the order of the
standard music bar is CDEFGABC. The first bar indicating the treble clef starts
with C on a line. Then comes D which is on a space. After E is on a line etc. To
memorize the treble cleft music notes that are on the line, we say Every Good
Boy Does Fine. In this case, notes E,G,B,D, and F are on the 5 lines. For the
spaces, we FACE spells Face. Notes F, A, C, E correspond to the 4 spaces in the
bar.
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.
Examples:
Biochemistry Amino Acids:
PVT. TIM HALL refers to the Essential amino acids:(Phenylanine, Valine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Isolucine, Histidine,Arginine, Leucine, Lysine.)
Other examples include...
Anatomy: Five branches of the facial nerve (Cranial Nerve 7)
Two Zebras Bit My Cookie.
(Temporal, Zygomatic, Buccal, Marginal Mandibular, Cervical)
Anatomy: Five branches of the facial nerve (Cranial Nerve 7)
Two Zebras Bit My Cookie.
(Temporal, Zygomatic, Buccal, Marginal Mandibular, Cervical)
Next time your child is struggling with
a subject that requires memorization, try helping them make mnemonics. Making
your own mnemonics allows them to stick better in your heads and are less
likely to forget it. You can also use Google and search mnemonics for whichever
subject or topic you need help in.
