6D Mnemonic devices to increase encoding, storage and retrieval

Mnemonic

Any technique used for improving or enhancing memory.

• Add information to organise material in long-term memory, making it easier to locate and retrieve.

• Links to new information to existing information (partial memory retrieval generally assists entire retrieval.

• Works best for remembering information to be memories but not understood.

Written culture

A culture in which stories and information are shared and preserved through the process of reading and writing.

• Mnemonics useful for retaining and recalling written information include:

  • Acronym

  • Acrostic

  • Method of Loci

Method of loci

A mnemonic system that commits a familiar location or sequence of locations to memory, then visually links them with information that needs to be recalled.

• Each location acts as a retrieval cue that makes it easier to retrieve the information when it is needed. If the visual association is personal in nature or bizarre, the information will be easier to recall.

Acronyms

An abbreviation formed from the first letter of each word to be remembered to create a pronounceable word or name.

• Each letter acts as a retrieval cue for the first letter of each word to be recalled

• Example: ASAP (As Soon As Possible)

Acrostics

A phrase (or poem) in which the first letter of each word functions as a cue to help with recall of the term or content.

• The first letter of each word acts as a retrieval cue for the first letter to be recalled.

• Example: Every Good Boy Deserves Fruit - used by musicians to memorise the 5 notes on the line of the treble clef.

Oral culture

A culture in which information and stories are communicated by word of mouth

• Historical, religious, cultural and moral teachings are passed along from Elders to the next generation.

Sung narrative

A story told through singing, music and sometimes dance

Dreaming

A guide to life and living; not just stories, it is art, songs, dance: it is written into the land itself.

• Explains the creation of nature of the world and teaches people about their country and where food, water, and shelter can be found.

Songline

One of the many sung narratives of the landscape that weave across Country and enables every significant place in Aboriginal Dreaming to be known/remembered

• Acts as a retrieval cue for the location of each significant site and the specific rituals that must occur there

• Children are taught this in the correct order and this knowledge allows people to make their way safely though country.