Mnemonics,Reading, Vocabulary, Memory Skils
What is common in all students who do well in academics, crack tough entrance exams and learn a 2nd language quite easily? Besides hard work, dedication and training, it’s the ability to memorise words, formulas, chemical equations and seemingly complex concepts. In this post, we are discussing 3 common types of mnemonics that can help kids memorise faster. Human brain is an extremely complex organ. Medical researchers and scientists are yet to understand the complete working of various features of brain including the memory. But, studies have proven that mnemonics, devices or arrangements that help us to recall bigger chunks of information, can go a long way in helping students memorising words, phrases, grammar rules, names, mathematical formulas and chemical equations.
Listed below are 3 common types of mnemonics to improve students’ memorising capabilities:
01. Music Mnemonics:
Even kids who almost always fail to do well in studies can memorise lyrics and advertisement jingles. The information stored in the form of a jingle or a song has a VERY high recall value and if your kids are having trouble memorising periodic table elements, grammar rules etc., it’s a good idea to start making use of music mnemonics.
02. Name Mnemonics:
These mnemonics come handy when a student needs to memorise a long list of names. For example, if a student is having trouble memorising the first 10 elements in a periodic table, create a suitable mnemonic, where the first letter indicates the element.
A simple mnemonic – “How He Lifted Bella By Collar at Night” – can help a student memorise first 7 elements i.e. H, He, Li, Be, B, C, N in no time.
03. Expression
‘Expression’ mnemonics are just wonderful. They can help a student memorise hundreds of new words every week. A science student can memorise the complete periodic table in as little as one day. And, that’s just the beginning. But, using ‘expression’ mnemonics isn’t easy, students need to be motivated enough to get involved in the process.
The ability to imagine on-the-go and at will, is the most essential of requirements for expression mnemonics to work. Still, a good teacher can create some expression mnemonics to help kids memorise information such as 8 small bones in the wrist, order of all planets in the solar system, order of operations in Mathematics, list of states in Singapore and so on. A large number of expression mnemonics for common topics are available on the internet but it’s a good idea to tweak them a little.
With such mnemonics and other interesting teaching methodologies, learning can really be made fun and exciting for kids!
About the Author
Lim Chuwei is an English language teacher. Well versed with the latest e-learning technologies and nuances of teaching a foreign language, he’s now working with ChampionTutor to change the scope of language education in Singapore.
Email:championtutors@gmail.com
Phone: 91-91-91-99
Leave a Comment