Mnemonics and various study techniques can help with memorization. Effective strategies include organizing information meaningfully, associating new facts with known ones, inventing acronyms, grouping words into categories, visualizing concepts, reciting aloud, frequent reviewing, and studying in multiple short sessions rather than long sessions. Creating a dedicated study space, forming study groups, writing note cards, taking breaks, seeking help if needed, and maintaining a positive attitude can also aid the learning process. Regular practice makes studying, learning, and memorizing easier over time as our brains get stronger.

1. Mnemonics and Study Skills Mnemonics as defined by Webster is “assisting or intended to assist the memory.” Mnemonic devices are learning aids that are often verbal, but they can also be visual, kinesthetic or auditory.

2. Memorization When learning English or any given subject, there is much information to memorize Some students seem to memorize easily But most need the help of strategies to remember important information and specific details

3. Successful Strategies to Aid Memorization Organize the information in a meaningful way Associate new information with facts you already know Invent word acronyms. Use the first letter of a string of words to memorize the notes in the treble clef: EGBDF (Every Good Boy Does Fine) Group words into categories Visualize or use imagery to make a mental picture of what you are trying to remember Recite vocabulary out loud Listen to audio recording which contains the information that you want to learn Go over what you’ve learned and review often

4. Techniques Many factors affect our ability to remember and one such factor is having a positive attitude Let go of negative thoughts and affirm that you have a good memory you can remember everything that you learn

5. Techniques One technique is to use post-it notes around your home It acts as a constant reminder and it requires little effort

6. Techniques Learn and memorize using more frequent study sessions Studying 20 minutes over a 3 day period is more effective that studying for 60 minutes straight

7. Techniques Review your notes often, especially just after your class Form a study group and quiz each other on the information you are learning Rest and relax. Stress can block effective learning. Listen to music while studying Take frequent breaks

8. Study Skills As students, employees, parents or individuals, we will be required to keep learning throughout our entire lives For example, learning about a new subject or a new sport Learning how to learn creates life-long learners out of all of us

9. Familiar and Effective Techniques Create a comfortable study space of your own where you will be unlikely to be disturbed It should be well-organized, comfortable and well-lit with plenty of space for your books and tools

10. Familiar and Effective Techniques Form a study group in which you can teach what you learn and quiz each other It helps to build on the strengths of everyone in the group rather than relying on just yourself all the time

11. Familiar and Effective Techniques Write note cards that you can review when you have a spare 5or 10 minutes writing is a preferred way for many to remember what they’ve read

12. Familiar and Effective Techniques Take regular breaks to stretch your legs and to relax for a few minutes Study your most difficult subjects first Change subjects at least every hour. You can always come back and review what you’ve studied previously

13. Familiar and Effective Techniques Review every day Make a study sheet of pertinent information to make reviewing more efficient Maintain a positive attitude and give yourself time to learn It’s a process

14. Familiar and Effective Techniques Seek help if you don’t understand certain concepts or assignments Be pro-active and don’t wait until the last minute to try to cram information It doesn’t work

15. Conclusion Studying, learning and memorizing come more easily with practice The more we learn, the more we are able to retain As with physical strength, we get stronger the more we use our minds Exercising our minds through intellectual pursuit will help us to become stronger and better learners Our brains create neural networks on which new learning sticks