MNEMONIC TIPS - OxNotes

An effective way to make facts more interesting is through the use of mnemonics. However, using someone else's mnemonic - unless unusually potent and useful - is not so effective. An effective mnemonic example is the Mathematics mnemonic; BIDMAS. (Brackets, Indices, Division, Multiplication, Addition & Subtraction).

No single mnemonic suits everyone. For example, there is no one best mnemonic to learn the order of the planets in the solar system. There are tons of different mnemonics to learn it. Don't rely on a mnemonic technique that you've read about if you already have one that suits you. Each person's life experience are different, and people will respond to them in their own way.

How to choose a mnemonic that works for you:

Choose the mnemonic that fits best with your personality and familiarity. Doing so can increase your chances of remembering your memory-aid in the future. Make sure that it gets your attention, can be associated with easily to yourself (is meaningful). If your mnemonic is boring and un-meaningful to yourself, you'll be more likely to forget it. You can make the mnemonic stand out by making it silly or funny.

It will help if the mnemonic fits the situation (relate the mnemonic to the details you're trying to recall). Establish a relationship between your mnemonic word and the topic. For example, for chemistry, "OIL RIG" (Oxidation is Loss, Reduction is Gain) you could relate a visual image of an oil rig to Chemistry, however this is just a thought and as I said before, don't rely on a technique that you've read about if you already have one that suits you.

There are many different types of mnemonics including Visual Mnemonics, Acronym Mnemonics, Order Mnemonics, Rhyme Mnemonics Spelling mnemonics. Take some time to find which ones work best for you.

- Kazim :)