Mnemonic Devices Explained: 5 Types of Mnemonic Devices

A mnemonic device is a memory technique that can help increase your ability to recall and retain information. This learning style dates back to ancient Greek times. Mnemonic techniques act as memory aids to help you translate pieces of information from short-term memory to long-term memory.

Consider some of the different types of mnemonic devices you can use to increase your retention of information.

1. 1. Method of loci: Also known as the memory journey method, this mnemonic device employs visualizations. Use the method of loci by imagining yourself moving through a familiar space. This form of image mnemonics can help you remember routes, locations, and lists.
2. 2. Chunking: Chunking is a form of organization mnemonics where you break down pieces of information and learn them individually before putting them together. This method can help you remember phone numbers (ten digits separated into three separate chunks) and grocery lists. Chunking is useful for surpassing the average short-term memory limit of seven pieces of information.
3. 3. Acronyms and acrostics: Also known as name mnemonics, use this method to create a new word or group of words by taking the first letter of each word or line and putting them together. Some examples of this technique include “Roy G. Biv” for the colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet) and “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally” (PEMDAS) for the order of operations in mathematics (parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction). Other examples include “HOMES” to remember the Great Lakes (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior) and “FANBOYS” for coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
4. 4. Rhyming mnemonics: This device uses acoustic encoding and auditory stimuli to help you remember information. One example of rhyming mnemonics is the leap year poem, also known as “Thirty Days Hath September.”
5. 5. Music mnemonics: Another method that uses auditory stimuli is music mnemonics. Putting information to music is a great way to assist with retention. For example, “the ABC song” uses the melody of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” to assist with alphabet memorization.

Learn how to use mnemonic devices for retaining information and memorizing new ideas.

1. 1. Familiarize yourself with mnemonic techniques. Read about different mnemonic devices and learn more about your options.
2. 2. Choose a technique. Practice multiple techniques until you find the right method for your needs. Make sure you’ve chosen a method that fits your learning preferences.
3. 3. Repeat the chosen mnemonic device. Once you’ve landed on a specific mnemonic technique, repeat the information out loud or in your head. Practice and repetition are essential for memory retention.
4. 4. Try other techniques. Once you’ve mastered one technique, experiment with others to expand your skill set and give you more tools for remembering information.

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