Although they are verbal in nature, the striking image of many mnemonics, like MataHari the spy, or a mother delivering nine pizzas makes them effective.
Another mnemonic technique is to create a word called an acronym, a word that represents what needs to be remembered (Keeley 1999). Some acronyms, like Radar, or NASA, have become so popular and are used to frequently they have replaced the words they were created to encourage people to remember. An example of this would be to remember the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World along the lines of 'MC SLAG': M (the Mausoleum) C (Colossus of Rhodes) S (Statue of Zeus) L (Lighthouse of Alexandria) a (Temple of Artemis) G (Hanging Gardens).
Acronyms can be effective if they sound funny, even if MC SLAG is unlikely to replace the actual list of the beautiful seven wonders! However, the planets might be more difficult, because their order must be retained but: M-VEM J-SUNP might do, if the individual enjoyed learning...
The example of the planets illustrates how choosing acrostics or acronyms should ideally be suited to the type of information that needs to be recalled by the learner. The nature of the list will invariable affect what is the more effective learning device for the student when selecting a mnemonic, although the student's own proclivities, as if whether he or she is a visual learner or an verbal learning, as well as what words and phrases have cultural and personal resonance for him or her, will also shape his or her choice as to what is the most effective mnemonic for his or her learning needs.
Works Cited
Mnemonics: Acrostics." (2000). Learning disabilities. Retrieved 11 Jan 2008 at http://www.audiblox2000.com/learning_disabilities/arcostics.htm
Keeley, Meg (1999). "Mnemonics: Memory techniques." The Basics of Effective Learning: Bucks County. Retrieved 11 Jan 2008 at http://www.bucks.edu/~specpop/mnemonics.htm
