After spending a lot of time studying, we know that our memorization process slows down and, sometimes, some important details of the content can end up going unnoticed. But did you know that there is a technique that helps a lot in this moment?
This is the mnemonic technique, a very useful resource when studying that, in short, helps to retain complex content through simple words. Want to know a little more about this technique and how to put it into practice when studying? Continue reading and check it out!
What is the mnemonic technique and how does it work?
The mnemonic technique is a resource for memorizing data and information that has been used since Ancient Greece, and its main objective is to fix complex concepts through the use of simpler words. In other words, this is a technique that uses simplification and association to memorize something more complicated.
When putting the technique into practice, triggers are created so that we can remember the studied content. The big trick, in fact, is to create some hooks so that our brain associates it with the content that we want to remember at a given moment.
Do you remember, back in elementary school, when we used the phrase “Old Lady, Bring Me My Dinner: Soup, Grapes, Nuts, and Bread” to remember the order of the planets in relation to the sun? This little shortcut was so that we could associate the initials of the words in the phrase to remember the sequence Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.
This is just one example of the mnemonic technique, but there are many other ways to use it, such as creating songs, poems, rhymes and much more. Throughout the text, we will see some tips for this.
Why does the technique work so well?
Our memories are based on mental triggers. For example, when you smell freshly brewed coffee or a cake coming out of the oven, it immediately brings back fond memories, doesn’t it? We remember our childhood at our grandparents’ house or even our parents’ house, preparing an afternoon snack. It’s a memory that triggers many others, in addition to feelings of nostalgia and longing.
This is exactly how the mnemonic technique works, generating conscious triggers to increase the effectiveness of our memory.
How to apply the technique in practice?
Now that you know what the mnemonic technique is, here are some tips that can help you memorize while studying. Check it out!
Join the prefixes
A great way to use mnemonic memorization is to combine the first letters or prefixes of each concept that you intend to record in your memory, with the aim of creating a new word that is better understood and sounds better.
To make the expression easier to remember, you can add the prefix to the last letter, for example. The key is to be able to associate the expression with the answer you need.
Bet on exaggerated formations
Surprisingly, the more exaggerated and bizarre the comparison, the greater the effect it has on our memory. Therefore, creating interesting stories about the subject being studied and creating exaggerated relationships between objects are also behaviors that help to retain the content. So, it is worth using your creativity at this point.
Create some frames
Students often have a chart with their study plan, a timetable for each subject, and other information. Including a flashcard in the same location can be a very effective strategy.
The easy-to-view chart allows participants to see the meaning of each frequently used word, prefix or letter, which helps with memory. Plus, whenever they have questions about a concept, they can simply refer to this chart to keep the topic in mind .
Separate by colors
Color-coded mnemonics help with memory. For example, changing the color of the pen according to the subject of the study can help to retain the content — it is even recommended to write on the memory board in a different color.
This method works well because our brains are able to use photographic memory to memorize concepts. Therefore, using a specific color for each topic helps to contextualize the subject of each mnemonic used, aiding in the memorization process.
Review your creations
There’s no point in creating multiple mnemonics if you don’t look at them carefully afterwards. In fact, if you don’t get into the habit of reviewing, you’ll often end up not studying as effectively for exams.
So whenever you create a new outline in mnemonic learning, create a title and include the information in the summary. You will find that by reviewing mnemonic phrases, you improve your associative ability and also review the content and strengthen active learning.
As stated throughout the content, the objective of creating mnemonics is to help you in the memorization process, especially when your head goes blank, that dreaded blank at the time of the assessment.
Therefore, one way to test whether mnemonics are effective is to use them in practical learning (in problem-solving and simulation). When identifying topics, try to memorize acronyms or phrases and write them next to the words. See if identifying the terms becomes easier. If mnemonics are effective in problem-solving and simulation, they are likely to help you in exams as well.
It is worth mentioning that the mnemonic technique goes far beyond memorization. It is a simpler way of acquiring knowledge, but it only works if you really learn the content. Memorizing disconnected sentences without fully understanding the subject will not work when it comes to solving exam questions or when you really need it.