MEMORIZATION TECHNIQUES

1. MEMORIZATION TECHNIQUES

2. Why Memorize? • When you know something, it is because you have assimilated a chunk of knowledge • If you can retrieve the information stored, you remember it • Time and experiences may overlay a memory causing difficulty in retrieval • In most cases the memory is still there, but is no longer easily returned to • Use the following memorization techniques to develop a pattern which is easy to return to

3. Keyword Method • The essence of the keyword approach • In order to remember large amounts of information • you often only need to memorize is one key word • Follow these steps • Read the entire article or explanation • Then reread • While rereading look for a single word that summarizes or denotes the main idea • Highlight or write this word down • Develop a list of these keywords • Either directly memorize the list by frequent recital, or use one of the techniques described below

4. Pegword Method • Pegwords • Used to remember short lists of up to ten items, • For lists that must be learned in a particular order • The technique • Utilizes a number such as “one” represented by the pegword “bun” • Visualize the item you are trying to memorize in a picture with a bun • Once memorized, you would know where the item was in a list because the pegword is linked to a number

5. Pegword Strengths • Same pegwords used for different lists (like 10 different jackets on ten pegs in your closet) • Pegwords are standard • Can personalize if desired • Make sure they are a catch phrase • Memorize pegwords before using them • Pegwords can be developed for numbers greater than 10

6. Pegwords 1-10 • Bun • Shoe • Tree • Door • Hive • Sticks • Heaven • Gate • Vine • Hen

7. Pegwords • The memory is the picture, not the word • Picture should be detailed (like a snapshot) • Take each item on the list and associate with a pegword • When trying to memorize the list recall the picture each time

8. Pegword Example • Accidental deaths (in order) • Motor vehicle • Falls • Poison • Drowning • Fire • Choking • Firearm

9. Pegword Example • The pegwords develop pictures • The driver eating a hot dog and paying more attention to the bun than the road • A person falling over an untied shoe • A poison fruit picked off a tree • A baby left in a bathtub with the door closed • Burning a hive to get the honey • An object that sticks in the throat • A rifle that sent you to heaven

10. Acronoyms • An acronym is a word where the letters stand for the first letter of each item on the list. • The list must be of familiar things so the letter will prompt the correct word or item. • Acronyms are often used in geography or music class.

11. Acronoyms • Common geographical acronym is used for the Great Lakes • HOMES (acronym) • Huron • Ontario • Michigan • Erie • Superior • Need familiarity with the Great Lakes first • With the first letter you can often guess – esp. on a multiple choice test

12. Roy G. Biv = colors of the spectrum of visible light Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet PASS = name of this class Practical Academic Study Skills Acronym Practice PASS

13. Acrostics • Similar to an acronym but takes the first letters and makes a sentence • Take the first letter and then find words to make a sentence • Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge = the notes on the line of a treble clef

14. Summary • Memorization takes work, it is not easy • Use one of the previous techniques to help you achieve academic success • Keyword • Pegword • Acronyms • Acrostics