Memory Strategies & Mnemonic Devices

1. Memory Strategies & Mnemonic Devices Kevin Wasielewski Alex Gagnon Tom Denten Scott Fenwick SPED 410 – Summer 2010

2. “Big Question” Introduction After our presentation, will you be able to remember 3 research-based strategies or instructional techniques that will help improve your students’ memories and provide an example of how you would incorporate each one into your practice?

3. Context • To be successful in school, students depend on memory strategies • Students need tools to help them retrieve information via the use of memory strategies. • It is likely that special-needs students will have difficulty activating memorized information • Research shows that memory strategies are particularly useful for students with learning disabilities . • There are several instructional practices and strategies that teachers can implement to aide in enhancing students’ memories.

4. Your Objectives • Become familiar with memory strategies and instructional methods that will help your students remember what they learn • Experience working on a particular memory strategy • Remember several examples of memory strategies and instructional methods that you can employ in your classroom

5. Examples of Memory Strategies • Mnemonics = Trigger Techniques • Acronyms & Acrostics • FIRST-letter strategy • Phonic & Spelling Mnemonics • Sound/Symbol Correspondence • Method of Loci • Keyword Method

6. Mnemonics by Michael Scott! http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/video/lecture-circuit/994221/

7. Mnemonics by Michael Scott! • All kidding aside, which of the following mnemonic devices did Michael employ? • Acronyms • Acrostics • FIRST-letter strategy • Key-word method • Sound/symbol correspondence

8. Additional Examples of Memory Strategies • Advance Organizers • “priming the memory” • examples: notes & vocabulary cards • Retrieval Practice • practice tests or quizzes • Short-term Strategies • active reading, i.e. underlining and highlighting • reading before going to bed and nothing else in-between • Motor Images • Enhance memory through physical activity • example: “Econ Cheer”

9. The Memory Strategy Experience • Find a partner • Use your handout • You and your partner have 3 minutesto create an acrostic to help you remember at least 4 of the 6 mnemonic strategies listed on your handout • For example: Mnemonics is Key for Assisting Special-needs students (M= method of loci, K = keyword, A = acronyms & acrostics, S = spelling mnemonics).

10. Instructional Techniquesto Enhance Students’ Memories • Cueing • Activate prior knowledge and connect to new content knowledge • Visual/instructional aides such as graphic organizers • Be careful not to overload information • teach in small doses, i.e. “chunking” • Be mindful of pace and rate of presentation of new information • Content-area knowledge: Review, Rehearse, Apply, Repeat • i.e., learning for mastery • Teach strategies

11. Back to the “Big Question” Without referencing your handout, can you remember 3 research-based strategies or instructional techniques that will help improve your students’ memories and provide an example of how you would incorporate each one into your practice?

12. SPED 410 Presentations Wikispace! • Access detailed information on Memory Strategies and Mnemonics • Find articles, weblinks, and resources about Memory Strategies and Mnemonics • Please share your group’s presentation and information with your colleagues…it’s easy! • www.SPED410presentations.wikispaces.com