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 Bun 2. Shoe 3. Tree 4. Door 5. Hive 6. Sticks 7. Heaven 8. Gate 9. Vine 10. 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 Acronym Practice 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

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

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