Course: FYE 101 First Year Experience

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Reading and Audio Visual Presentation » Study Skills

Reading and Audio Visual Presentation

Expectations in College
Creative Thinking

Memory and Mnemonic Devices

Memory and Mnemonic Devices
You will be more likely to remember and learn if you can move information from your short-term memory to your long-term memory. According to research, adult short-term memory holds 5-9 items (see article from SimplyPsychology).

We must exercise our brains to move items from short- to long-term memory. Mnemonic devices are memory aids that may not always result in deep learning, but can be useful when preparing for tests. Cramming for a test, looking at information for the first time right before a test, is generally not a good way to remember. This is not a good way to move it to long-term storage.

Roman Room/loci method
Visualize the items you are trying to remember in a familiar room

Acrostic sentences
Use the first letter to form a new a sentence
- Every Good Boy Does Fine (notes on a music staff)
- My Very Excellent Mother Just Sent Us Nachos” (planets) or add "Nine Pizzas" (if you want to include Pluto)

Acronyms
Use the first letters to form new or familiar words: REM = rapid eye movement

Chunking
Group items together, 217-224-6500 rather than 2172246500

Expectations in College
Creative Thinking