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MEMORIZATION TECHNIQUES

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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

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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 

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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

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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

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Pegwords 1-10

1. Bun2. Shoe3. Tree4. Door5. Hive6. Sticks7. Heaven8. Gate9. Vine10. Hen

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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

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Pegword Example

Accidental deaths (in order) Motor vehicle Falls Poison Drowning Fire Choking Firearm

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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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