Why are Mnemonics Helpful Tools?
Retaining and recalling new information can be very challenging for students. Research has shown that mnemonic strategies are highly effective for helping students retrieve important information. A mnemonic is an instructional strategy created to improve retention and recall of information through the use of visual or auditory clues. These clues improve students’ ability to make connections between their existing knowledge and new information.
Here are some types of mnemonics:
- Keyword – a known word or idea that sounds similar to the new word being taught (an illustration can be created to link the new learning to the known information)
- Pegword – words are rhyming words substituted for the number that needs to be remembered and then linked to the other information (insects on sticks to remember that they have six legs)
- Letter – acronyms or acrostic used to help remember a list of names or steps (STAR for substitute, take out, add, rearrange)
Outside Resources
Mnemonic Teaching Tutorial
This Teaching Tutorial from TeachingLD.org provides more information about how to prepare and implement mnemonic instruction in your classroom.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TEACHING TUTORIAL
Enhancing School Success with Mnemonic Strategies
This article gives an overview of mnemonic instruction including information on the reasons why we need mnemonic strategies, what mnemonic strategies are and are not, and general techniques for improving memory. Finally you will find specific mnemonic techniques.
CLICK HERE FOR THE ARTICLE FROM LDONLINE ON MNEMONICS
Mnemonic Strategies from the IRIS Center at Vanderbilt
This webpage gives an overview of mnemonic strategies as well as providing information about why they are important. This page is a part of the larger set of resources provided by the IRIS Center at Vanderbilt Peabody College.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE RESOURCES
CLICK HERE TO VIEW A MODULE ON MNEMONICS
CLICK HERE TO VIEW FIRST LETTER STRATEGY
Mnemonic Devices
This is a link to a resource from ICT4US that list many examples of mnemonics that might be helpful for students.