Memory tricks to remember anything for tests: Mnemonics

How many of us find it extremely hard to remember information which is presented without a specific format? Almost every subject we learn consists of huge blocks of data which cannot be remembered by merely mugging them up. The process of learning could be termed successful only when a student understands the concepts and is confident enough to apply them in everyday life. The concepts serve as a base for students to frame critical analysis of variegated issues they come across in the world. And it is here that the learning technique of mnemonics acts as the ultimate saviour.

Mnemonics are special as they help in retaining vital information in the long term memory. The word “mnemonic” was derived from the Greek word “mnēmonikos” which means “of memory or relating to memory” and it is also related to the Greek Goddess of Memory who was known by the name ‘Mnemosyne’. Our brain is not well equipped to remember words and this problem could be addressed with the help of mnemonics. The trick lies in coding the plain words into interesting mental images which are easy to remember. 

There are three basic principles which underlie the use of mnemonics and those are imagination, association and location. Imagination is the tool you would use to strengthen the mental image which will aid in visualising a situation which will help you remember the necessary information. Association is the method one could use to link the information together by rotating things, merging images together or link them using similar smell, feeling, colour or shape. The purpose of location is to place the mnemonics which are similar in nature in different blocks in order to avoid confusion and retain information with clarity.

 

In the video titled “Learning Aids 1.2 Mnemonics IAS Preparation”, Dr.Roman Saini takes us all on a fun journey of discovering the importance of utilising learning aids namely mnemonics and gives a brief overview of the various kinds of learning aids which are at our disposal. Dr. Roman further goes on to deconstruct mnemonics by elaborating on the types of mnemonics such as image mnemonics, name mnemonics, connection mnemonics, rhyming mnemonics etc.

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