How Mnemonics Can Boost Learning and Development for Adult Learners

“Unlock the power of mnemonics, and unlock the potential of your learners. By tapping into the science of memory and learning, we can create meaningful and lasting experiences that transform knowledge into action.”

Jazmin Hammett

As learning experience designers, we are constantly seeking ways to improve the learning and development experiences of our adult learners. One technique that has been proven effective in boosting retention and recall is the use of mnemonics. Mnemonics are memory aids that help learners to remember information by associating it with familiar words, phrases, or images.

Mnemonics can be especially useful for adult learners who may be balancing multiple responsibilities and struggling to retain information amidst a sea of distractions. Here are some tips for incorporating mnemonics into your learning and development programs:

1. Use vivid imagery: Visual cues are often more memorable than written or spoken words. Encourage learners to create mental images that are associated with the content they are trying to learn.
2. Create acronyms: Acronyms can be a simple and effective way to remember a list of items. Encourage learners to create their own acronyms based on the content they are trying to learn.
3. Use rhymes and songs: Rhymes and songs can help learners remember information by creating a rhythm and melody that is easy to recall. Encourage learners to create their own rhymes and songs based on the content they are trying to learn.
4. Use story-telling: Story-telling can be an effective way to engage learners and help them remember information. Encourage learners to create stories or narratives that incorporate the content they are trying to learn.
5. Use repetition: Repetition is key to solidifying information in memory. Encourage learners to repeat key information to themselves or to others to help it stick.

Here are some online resources to help you incorporate mnemonics into your learning and development programs:

1. “Improving Retrieval of Memories: Mnemonic Devices” by Study.com – This online lesson provides an overview of mnemonic devices and tips for how to use them to improve memory retrieval and retention in learning and studying activities.
2. “Mnemonic Strategies: Improving Memory for Students with Learning Disabilities” by the IRIS Center – This online lesson provides an introduction to mnemonic strategies, including acronyms, acrostics, and keyword mnemonics, and offers guidance on how to select and teach appropriate mnemonic strategies to support learning for students with disabilities.
3. “Memory Improvement Techniques: Start Here” by MindTools” -This article provides a comprehensive overview of memory improvement techniques, including mnemonics, and offers practical tips for incorporating these techniques into daily life to enhance memory recall and retention.
4. “9 Types of Mnemonics to Improve Your Memory” by Esther Heerema on very well health – This article provides an overview of the keyword mnemonic strategy, including how it works and how it can be used to improve memory recall, and offers examples of keyword mnemonics in action.
5. “Mnemonics: Memory Tricks (Examples)” by Practical Psychology on YouTube – This video provides an overview of mnemonics and how they can be used to improve memory recall and retention, including examples and practical tips for incorporating mnemonics into daily life.

Incorporating mnemonics into your learning and development programs can be a powerful way to boost retention and recall for adult learners. By using vivid imagery, acronyms, rhymes and songs, story-telling, and repetition, you can help your learners remember information long after they have completed your training program.

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Resources

1. Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J., & Willingham, D. T. (2013). What works, what doesn’t. Scientific American Mind, 24(4), 46-53. – This article provides an overview of effective study techniques, including the use of mnemonics.
2. Bower, G. H., & Clark, M. C. (1969). Narrative stories as mediators for serial learning. Psychonomic Science, 14(4), 181-182. – This study found that incorporating narrative stories into learning can improve recall and retention of information.
3. Hepper, P. G., Wildschut, T., Sedikides, C., Ritchie, T. D., Yung, Y. F., Hansen, N., & Abakoumkin, G. (2014). Pancultural nostalgia: Prototypical conceptions across cultures. Emotion, 14(4), 733-747. – This study found that nostalgia can improve memory recall.

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