Mnemonics are "memory tools" or "memory aides." These tools supply one with techniques to recall information that may be difficult to recall by rote methods. Most people use mnemonic aides one way or another in their everyday affairs. Even simple planners, schedulers, and things like grocery lists are examples of memory aides; however, there are times when the use of such external memory aides is not practical such as remembering names of people one is being introduced to for the first time, information in everyday affairs at work, or with material in school. For such situations it is a good idea to have a collection of techniques to use. Some people will find that certain techniques work better for them than others, but when trying to encode and retain material for later recall it helps to get as many senses involved as possible in order to create multiple reference points in memory for material; keep the repertoire of techniques simple and basic based on multiple or dual coding theories (Mayer, 2002).
When using mnemonic strategies there are several rules to follow that can make them more effective: (1) positive images work better than negative associations; (2) rhymes or shocking aides work better when linking material because they allow for meaningful connections...
This little mnemonic provides an example of using most of the principles discussed above except for rhyming.
Phone numbers are easiest to recall by chunking them. For example the number 5552478 can easier be recalled by remembering the two numbers 555 and 2478. Add a little reference like Mary's phone number was 555 times 2478 makes it easier to recall.…
