Mnemonics for remembering numbers. Basic methods

Mnemonics - what is it and how to use it

Mnemonics is a set of specific techniques that help increase the volume of memorized information and memory in general.

Anyone can master mnemonics, and age and skills do not matter. Teenagers, mature people, and older people can perform exercises using the mnemonic technique. The result depends only on how carefully and regularly the classes are conducted.

You should understand the basic principles of mnemonics and constantly practice what you are studying. The advantage of the technology is that it is not necessary to have an instructor; you can complete the training yourself, using information from publicly available sources.

Mnemonics are a way to restore memory

Mnemonics (aka mnemonics) is one of the methods of memory restoration through associations and connections between objects. For example, a person has difficulty remembering lists, numerical columns, or some mathematical sequences. But it’s easier to remember when they are already associated with something familiar and well-known. Mnemonics techniques are based on the reproduction and creation of certain associative connections that allow the process of memorizing information to be carried out.

The main set of techniques used

Even the ancient Greeks noticed that memory is directly related to the senses.

Types of memory

There are different types of memory:

• figurative;
• auditory;
• motor;
• visual.

Therefore, when memorizing, it is extremely necessary to connect associative connections : the more closely the new information is connected with what is already in the head, the better it will be remembered. Emotionally charged information is better retained in memory; the brain automatically creates a very vivid image with which it associates new information.

If new information does not evoke emotions and no associations, then mnemonics comes to the rescue, the main principle of which is the creation of artificial associations for memorizing new information: the formation of vivid images (images can be anything: graphic, sound, text, sensory) and linking them with new ones knowledge.

At the same time, two hemispheres of the brain are simultaneously involved in work, which significantly increases the efficiency of memorization. Such memorization techniques are present in almost all training programs, but they are more often called not mnemonics, but exercises to increase memory capacity.

Mnemonics for memory development (the same techniques are often suitable for children and adults) include a large number of different techniques used in teaching practice:

• composing a meaningful phrase, the first letter of each word of which is a hint for memorized information;
• rhyming new material;
• memorizing still unknown words using consonant ones;
• finding associations (this could be a picture, phrase, object, sensation) that connect new information with already known information;
• mnemonic squares, mnemonic tracks, mnemonic diagrams or mnemonic tables;
• alphanumeric codes;
• collages;
• sketching information;
• cartography;
• Cicero's method.

The main task in developing mnemonic strategies is to correctly find a way to correlate new material with information that is already in the child's long-term memory. If you manage to establish a sufficiently strong connection, then the memory will retain the information received for quite a long time.

The educational programs of modern kindergartens require children to correctly understand and memorize huge amounts of new educational material. This is a rather difficult task, considering that preschoolers have poorly developed voluntary memory, which greatly reduces its capabilities.

But the huge flow of information is difficult for school-age children to memorize. Therefore, the use of various mnemonics for learning can greatly facilitate learning and increase the efficiency of memorization.

Mnemonics for memory development for preschool children usually involve the use of the simplest techniques: mnemonic squares, mnemonic tracks, mnemonic diagrams or mnemonic tables.

Mnemonic squares

The first mnemonics that children are introduced to by the age of 3 are mnemonic squares. Mnemonic squares are a picture with an image that is understandable for children. The picture in the picture can represent a word, phrase or simple sentence.

For example, when introducing the word “winter,” you can show a picture of a snowflake or a child dressed in warm clothes. For kids who go to kindergarten, teachers usually stick a card with an image of an animal, plant, or inanimate object on the locker. Such drawings help the child remember where the locker for his things is.

Mnemonic tracks

By the age of 4–5, a child’s vocabulary becomes larger. This allows you to move on to a more complex memorization technique - mnemonic tracks.

These are the same mnemonic squares, but they are arranged in a certain logical sequence, which allows you to describe an object or phenomenon more broadly. A mnemonic track is made up of 3-4 pictures, allowing the child to compose a short sequential story of 2-3 sentences.

Mnemonic diagrams and mnemonic tables

After 6 years, children can be offered memorization techniques such as mnemonic diagrams and mnemonic tables. They are a more complex version of mnemonic tracks and allow you to consistently and accurately reproduce the material being studied.

To do this, key words and phrases (simple sentences) are presented in the form of pictures that schematically sketch the text, which allows the child to remember and consistently reproduce the necessary information, for example, retell a fairy tale.

Mnemonic phrases

To improve students' memorization of complex information, mnemonic phrases are often used, that is, sentences where the first letters of each word correspond to the first letter of the terms being memorized.

For example, in the sentence “We will meet tomorrow, my young companion, at a new planet,” the first letter of each word suggests the name of a planet in the solar system, and the sequence of words in this sentence indicates the order in which the planets are removed from the Sun.

This technique works effectively when the sentence itself is well remembered, and each word in it is located in a logical sequence.

Rhyming and music as mnemonics techniques

These techniques are suitable for use at any age. For example, in order to remember the continuous or hyphenated spelling of the root “pol-”, you can learn the rhyming rule by A. Hight.

Mnemonics for memory development for children: an example of using the rhyming technique to memorize the names of cases

1. Continuous writing rule

Now it has become clear to us

Let's never forget:

Root "pol-" with any consonant

It's always written smoothly.

1. Hyphenation rule

Before "l" and before a vowel,

Capitalize before the letter

The root “pol-” is clear to anyone,

Separated by a line.

Pronunciation of dates and phone numbers in a chant makes them easy to remember

Using music for better memory is also very effective. For example, remembering some long numbers (telephone numbers, dates) is much easier if you can sing them. In addition, certain knowledge (words of a song, dance movements) is often associated with a certain melody.

Turning information into a picture

Transforming information to be remembered into a picture (drawing, diagram, table, diagram) will increase your memorizing capabilities. This technique is often used to teach schoolchildren and students.

The multiplication table will be easy to remember if it is presented in the form of a picture like this

For example, the rules for the declension of cardinal numerals displayed in the form of a table will be remembered faster (in the table, the information is divided into parts, and visual memory is also involved in the memorization process).

Symbolization

This technique is suitable for memorizing abstract concepts. Therefore, it is very important that the child independently comes up with a symbol for himself that he associates with this concept. For example, the word “joy” can be associated with an image of a laughing face or a picture of smiling lips.

Memorizing long terms or foreign words using consonant ones

For memorizing complex terms or foreign words, a technique is suitable in which an associative connection is established between a well-known word and the one that should be remembered. For example, such a connection can be created between the Russian word “onion” and the English word “look”.

Linking new material to well-known data

The mnemonic technique “linking” can be used to develop memory at any age. It is suitable for children and adults. The main thing is to choose an age-appropriate associative connection.

For example, a child can associate the name of the main character in the fairy tale “Jack and the Bean Tree” with the name of the delicious chocolate wafer bar “Jack.” For high school students, for example, the number 39 can be associated with the year the Second World War began.

Cicero's method

Cicero is known as the greatest Roman orator and author of books on rhetoric. During his exciting public speeches, the famous philosopher never used notes, but he could reproduce from memory a huge number of facts, quotes, many names and dates.

To memorize such voluminous material, he used various techniques, one of which is now known as the “Cicero method” or “Roman room”. The method is based on linking key information to various elements of a well-known room.

You can easily find any thing you need in your room if you know exactly where it is. This is explained by the fact that most things have their permanent places. This point is fundamental to this method.

Key information elements are mentally placed in a certain sequence in a well-known room (that is, each significant information point is tied to one of the elements of the familiar space).

Then it is enough to walk through this space in the same sequence or mentally imagine this path in order to reproduce the necessary information. The Roman room method works when there is a clear link between key information and specific elements of the room (objects, furniture) and the specified sequence of the mental route is strictly observed.

How do mnemonic techniques work?

Mnemonics techniques work as follows. Certain images are superimposed on certain information and have a connection with each other. In order to reproduce this information, a person needs to restore the system of images and remember their relationship.

It turns out that the initial task is to create an algorithm or cipher for storing data. At the moment of reproducing the necessary information, the brain returns to the algorithm and deciphers the specific algorithm from memory.

Practical techniques of mnemonics

By combining images, associations and arrangements, mnemonic techniques were created:

• eidetics - the essence of the technique is to remember an object, associating it with some emotion. Psychologists have found that information is absorbed much better under the influence of emotional factors;
• symbolization - the technique is based on giving memorized objects understandable and logical images. For example, on the desktop, the “trash” icon reflects the essence of the action - remove everything unnecessary;
• The technique of memorizing numbers is a method that is suitable for every person. Numbers are assigned letters or words, which allows you to encode entire phrases and sentences. 1 – bread, 2 – milk, 3 – sugar, and then compose the required text;
• O'Brien's method is a technique associated with memorizing numbers that need to be compared with famous personalities (1 - Yuri Nikulin, 2 - Georgy Vitsin). Another number is given an additional word and a sentence is made according to its meaning;
• figurative chain is a method that trains visual and associative memory. Objects are presented in an unusual form and then connected into an imaginary chain. Words to remember: bullfinch, spoon and telephone. Image - a bullfinch sitting on a branch, holding a spoon and talking on the phone;

• mnemonic phrases are a technique necessary for memorizing any information. The most famous option is “every hunter wants to know where the pheasant sits.” The phrase helps you remember the sequence of colors of the rainbow. There is another version - “The Mole sewed blue sweatshirts for the sheep, the giraffe, and the bunny.”

Mnemonic techniques: theory and practice

Mnemonic techniques described theoretically are not always understandable to the average person.

But it has been proven that their constant use in practice leads to the fact that the subsequent reproduction of the algorithm of a certain situation in memory is carried out automatically.

Mnemonics is a trainable skill ; memorization occurs at an accelerated pace as training progresses. Mnemonics is based on the use of interconnections of images that are close and understandable to a specific person.

All created images and connections between them can remain in a person’s memory for an indefinite amount of time. That is, they will begin to “pop up” precisely when there is a need to reproduce information directly related to them. Periodically returning to this topic will allow you to forever remember the necessary information without images and relationships. But here, too, training and consistency are important.

These techniques help develop long-term memory.

Simple and effective memorization techniques

To easily assimilate new material, you can resort to interesting techniques:

• it is necessary to take into account the mechanisms of perception. If a person is an auditory learner, a recording with the required text will do. Visual learners will remember information as well as possible by watching a video or reading a book. For kinesthetic learners, tactile sensations are important, so they focus on contact with the memorized object;
• It is useful to retell the information you have read in your own words;
• drawing, making notes and tables, writing out interesting details;
• OVOD method - first, the main idea is highlighted from the text; during the second reading, you should pay attention to the details and thoughtfully examine the material. Based on what I read, I conduct a review and analyze the information received. What remains is finishing - the text is repeated, starting with the main thoughts and ending with the details. It is advisable not to peek. At the end, the text is read again and the missed points are analyzed;
• Cicero's method - suitable for memorizing large texts. The point is to arrange important thoughts and details in a familiar room. The sequence of movement is selected so that the text does not lose its logical meaning;

• pictogram method - this method is ideal for visual learners and is necessary for strengthening their memory, as well as for research and diagnosis. A pictogram is an image reproduced on paper, created to remember certain expressions. The basis of the method is to find basic words and phrases, which are then drawn based on the person’s imagination;
• Atkinson's method - suggests using only the resources of the brain, gradually loading it with new information. For this purpose, a text is selected: regular or better in poetic form. First, a few lines 5-6 are learned, the next day the memorized lines are repeated and the same number is added. On the last day, 5-6 lines are added again to the memorized part of the text. The number of repetitions influences the assimilation of new material. Gradually the volume of texts should increase. It is recommended to conduct the lesson in the morning.

Basic principles of the system: how to learn mnemonics?

Knowledge of its basic principles will allow you to learn mnemonics.

Visualization is the main and constant principle of mnemonics development. In order for information to be remembered for a long time, it must be remembered figuratively, that is, visualized. The main conditions for visualization are voluminous, bright, understandable memory of the image. For example, in order to remember any object, it should be presented in all details.

For example, a tomato is red, round, elastic, juicy, fresh. The visualization method works well with certain specific objects or beings. If we are talking about abstract concepts, such as happiness, luck, the name of a city or country, the so-called “free association” should be used.

For example, the concept of “coziness” can be reproduced by visualizing a rocking chair, a blanket, and a fireplace. The name of the city is “Volgograd” - with the monument “Motherland”, etc.

All concepts and images are individual. What is clear to one will be confusing to another. Associations may be strange and unusual, but that is why they are more effective.

Method two: chain

The essence of the method is to connect images with each other. How to do it right?

Don't pay attention to proportions

All images should be approximately the same size. Let's say you have to connect a plane and an egg. Let the egg be huge, and the plane small, one in one like an egg.

Connect brightly

There is an egg and a plane next to it. It's too boring to remember. Let the plane hit the egg! Let the nose of the plane pierce the shell, let our airliner stick out from this egg like a candle in a birthday cake!

Pay attention to the sequence

If you need to remember words in a certain sequence, then use the rule: the first image is always to the left or above the subsequent one (we read from top to bottom and from left to right - it’s easy to remember). That is, if we remember “plane, egg,” then the example described above is suitable, but if “egg, plane,” then we must imagine how the plane stands vertically (why not?) and an egg is placed on top of it. The protein slowly flows down the fuselage (don't forget about brightness!).

When you memorize several words in a chain, you must abstract from all images except the one you just remembered and the one that comes next.

For example: knight, hat, balloon, brick. The knight sits on his hat and holds it by the edge (as if he is on an inflatable ring in a water park). The same hat is on a balloon, as if on someone’s head (you can imagine a face drawn on a balloon, but this is not necessary). A balloon is tied to a brick and they slowly fly together.

You don't have to imagine the entire design at once. First imagine only a knight and a hat, then only a hat and a ball (we don’t take the knight into account), etc. When remembering, also keep no more than two images in your head at the same time. From one to another, from him to the next.

This method is bad because if you forget one element of the chain, you may forget the rest. But if you need to remember a dozen or two words, but don’t have time to come up with a story, this method will be very useful. This technique can also be considered as auxiliary when considering the next method of memorization.

Train! Remember the words in a chain: wolf, cabbage, football player, chess, grandmother, ring, milk, surgeon, picture, apricot.

Method three: Cicero's method

This is the most effective and popular method among mnemonists. It also has other names: memory palace, Roman room method, method of loci, palaces of the mind, etc. It is the same.

The point is that we create in our imagination a certain space with supporting images. It sounds difficult, but in fact you will learn it just as easily as the chain method.

The reference image is the image with which you will connect the memorized images. It is also called the locus or simply the support.

Why is he the support one? Imagine your kitchen: refrigerator, sink faucet, microwave, etc. You don't rearrange these items that often. It's unlikely that you find a new place for your refrigerator every week. The above are the supporting images.

Important! A plate on the table is not a supporting image because it changes its location, but a decorative plate on the wall is a supporting image because it always hangs there.

The essence of the method is to create an imaginary space, but it does not have to be created from scratch. You can imagine your apartment - you know it well and can mentally walk through it in your imagination.

Select several supporting images in your apartment (room, office or any other place that you know well): TV, chandelier, table lamp, aquarium, washing machine, etc.

Important! You must know exactly the sequence of your route from one reference image to another. For example, I always go along the hallway-kitchen-bathroom-bedroom route. Inside the room I move from opornik to opornik clockwise.

To each supporting image you attach a memorized one. When you need to remember, follow the route and reproduce the information in the required sequence. You can even do it in reverse.

Important! You can change the images you remember. That is, repeatedly remembering new information for the same locations (during memorization training, for example). Old images are forgotten. You will only remember the last memorized image. Moreover, if you often use the same locations, then the images will begin to get confused (you can remember what you memorized two times ago), in this case, you just need to let the locations “rest” - do not memorize them for some time, but use another memory palace.

You can attach not one image, but a chain to one location. 5 words per supporter, for example.

With Cicero’s method, you will be able to remember huge amounts of information quickly, and most importantly, for a long time. If necessary, they must be repeated.

Important! Mnemonists repeat exclusively from memory - this is very important! You can look at the source only to check or in case you forgot something. The larger the amount of information, the more often you need to repeat it (5 words can be memorized for a couple of weeks without repetition, but 500 words need to be repeated right there, after 6 hours (before bed, if it’s evening), the next day, after 3 days, after a week, in two, in a month).

Train! Select supporting images and remember the following words on them: mosquito, chocolate, perch, wrestler, autumn, bottle, academy, hose, bat, rose.

The amount of information you can remember depends on the number of locations and your level of training. When I memorized 160 digits for the first time (I’ll talk about memorizing numerical information in the next article), I had a terrible headache. But after a few weeks it became a habit for me and I did not experience any fatigue from such a quantity, I could already remember more than 400 numbers at a time.

Today you learned what mnemonics is, its basic principles, and also learned to remember sequences of words. In the following articles, you will learn how to memorize numbers, dates, terms, foreign words, speech for a speech, a deck of cards, names and faces, etc. Leave your questions and suggestions in the comments.

I hope mnemonics will become a part of your life, and soon you will begin to surprise your friends with your phenomenal memory.

I wish you success!

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We also recommend reading:

• Storytelling
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• Mnemonics: personal experience
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• Mnemonics: creating reference images and increasing the speed of memorization
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Key words:_С1040, 1Mnemonics, 4Cognitive sciences

There are also certain ways to remember information after visualization.

Method number 1: story method

If you need to remember a chain of words, it is best to compose a story in which these words will play an important role . The story can be humorous, implausible, even absurd or scary, but the more it captures the imagination, the faster the words will be remembered.

The good thing about this method is that it does not require any special skills or preparation. It is enough to know the words and use your imagination - and the story is ready. In addition, the method has a positive effect on the development of imagination, forms logical thinking and promotes the formation of new neural connections.

Memorizing numbers and figures using mnemonics

Using mnemonics, you can speed up the process of memorizing digital information. For example, for each number that needs to be remembered, an image is invented and associated with the next number and the subsequent image. The external similarity between a number and an object can be used, or some specific association can be taken from personal experience.

The picture should be lively and bright, then memorization will be easier and more effective.

If you need to remember a long series of numbers, it is better to divide them into segments and assign a separate association to each.

Why do we need mnemonics?

Mnemonics are necessary primarily for those who constantly have to remember large amounts of information, especially those who are forced to remember precise (abstract) information, given that such data usually cannot be “approximate”.

Mnemonics will greatly help people who study foreign languages. When learning a language, you have to learn a large number of foreign words. For the brain, it's just a set of sounds that doesn't tell it anything. But if you imagine each word in the form of some kind of image, then things will go faster and more fun. Also, special cards will help you learn new words using mnemonics. You can easily find ready-made mnemonic cards for foreign language learners on the Internet. Mnemonics are actively used in most modern speed reading courses.

Why do we need to do mnemonics? The most important reason is that such exercises greatly develop our brain. In addition to the practical benefits, which are obvious, you will be able to develop your attention, imaginative thinking and visualization ability. All this will undoubtedly have a positive impact on your personal growth.

Memorizing foreign words

Mnemonics also help in learning foreign languages. Using some techniques, it is easy to remember foreign words and record their meaning:

1. Using phonetic associations. Remembering words that sound the same or have a similar meaning.
2. The interaction of all sensations. A foreign word must be immediately associated with the meaning or object it denotes. Only in this case you won’t have to mentally translate from one language to another, but you will be able to speak fluently in a foreign language. The image of a cat, for example, should be visualized when hearing the word “cat”, without remembering the Russian word “cat”.

How to improve memory: useful tips for using mnemonics

Improving memory with the help of mnemonics is possible only with constant implementation of techniques and exercises. You can start with the simplest things : remember your phone number, bank card, personal accounts in housing and communal services.

Memorize poetry and prose, this has a positive effect on the development of associative connections and memory in general.

Remember the names of colleagues and their family members, practice constantly recalling this information.

Remember the events that happen to you during the day, assign associations to them and remember the details before going to bed. Recording images and actions helps develop memory using simple mnemonics.

Formation of mental images

Source
Visualization is the most important aspect of memorization and memory in general[]. The brain is constantly making predictions. To do this, he builds images, visualizes the surrounding space (this is where the phenomenon of prophetic dreams comes from). This process does not require tension, there is no need to look at certain objects or specifically meditate - you just do it.

You want a new car and imagine yourself in it. Or you want to eat chocolate cake, you will instantly imagine the sweet taste. Moreover, for the brain it doesn’t make much difference whether you really see a certain object or just imagine it - thoughts about food create an appetite, and a scary old man jumping from a cabinet in a computer game - the desire to hit and run away.

However, you are clearly aware of the difference between a real image and an imaginary one - these two processes occur in parallel in the brain (which is why you do not break the monitor while playing). To train your memory, you need to think consciously in a similar way.

Just think about what it looks like what you're trying to remember. If you can think of a cat, you can equally think of a HUGE, 3D, WHITE and detailed cat with a red ribbon around its neck. You don't need to specifically imagine a story about a white cat chasing a ball of thread. One large visual object is enough - this mental image forms a new connection in the brain. You can use this method when reading - one visual image per short chapter of the book. In the future, remembering what you read will become much easier. Perhaps you will remember this article precisely because of the BIG WHITE CAT.

But how can you remember many things in a row in this case? Matthias Ribbing, a multiple Swedish memory champion and one of only 200 people worldwide to claim the title of “Grandmaster of Memory,” suggests the following method. Let's say you need to keep ten tasks in your memory at the same time. Think about ten things that you should remember, visualize them vividly and clearly: finish a piece of code, pick up your child from kindergarten, go grocery shopping, etc. For each task, take the first image that comes to mind (a monitor with a code, a child, a bag of groceries, etc.).

Imagine a bicycle. Mentally enlarge it and imagine that it is as big as an SUV. Then place each visual task image (item) in a separate part of the bike, connecting them so that “front wheel” becomes synonymous with “bag of groceries,” “frame” becomes synonymous with “monitor with code” (life is at work!) and etc.

The brain will build a new stable connection based on the image of a fantastic bicycle, and it will be much easier to remember all ten (or more) things.