Why, having a good memory, it is difficult for us to remember numbers, phone numbers and especially dates? We'll fix it. Mnemonics will help, which will be discussed in our article.
Mnemonics - what is it?
First, let's talk a little about mnemonics. From Greek it means "the art of memory". This is a set of methodologies and rules that are aimed at improving memory performance. They help organize the information that comes to the brain, creating associative pictures.
Memorization of numbers and complex words occurs by turning them into some colorful images, thanks to this, information is firmly fixed in our minds. Mnemonics is nothing more than the implementation of mnemonics in practice. This is a set of techniques that help to remember large amounts of information.
Mnemonics can be mastered by anyone and at any age. You do not need to have superpowers and special knowledge for this. All will beit just depends on how much time you're willing to put in.
Types of mnemonics
Let's look at them:
- Folk. Widespread mnemonics. This is not a specific memorization system, these are some tricks that people use unconsciously. Indirectly, we were taught to use them in kindergarten and school. Of course, their effectiveness is low, has no scientific justification and a strict system.
- Classic. It was used in ancient times to memorize long oratorical speeches. The set of techniques in this direction is small. The best example of classical mnemonics will be the Cicero method, which we will consider below, and the Hanger.
- Pedagogical. Unlike the classical one, it does not use visual thinking as a basis, thanks to which it has become understandable and accessible to most people. Here the emphasis is on natural memorization through enhanced experience of the material being studied. This is nothing more than repeated reading of texts, in other words, cramming, taking notes, copying book illustrations. The usual learning process. In the 16th century, this mnemonics triumphed over the classical one. The methods are the first to be applied in the modern education system.
- Circus, or as it is also called "variety" mnemonics. Uses classical principles. A distinctive feature in the special encoding of information, which is encrypted everywhere and in facial expressions and gestures, voice intonation. The main thing is not even the memorization itself, but the transfer of the code from the assistant to the performer in various ways. It turns out that only part of the funds is usedmnemonics.
- Sports. We are talking about competitions mnemonists. They compete on two criteria: the speed of memorization and the amount of information memorized once.
- Modern mnemonics. It is supported by the presence of a theoretical basis. Existing techniques based on the theory are being finalized and combined into a specific memorization system, which will be aimed at solving a particular problem. Suppose there are sets of exercises for learning a foreign language. A good example would be the Giordano method, which allows you to remember clear, accurate information.
So, we briefly reviewed the types of mnemonics, let's start discussing the next question.
How does it work?
So, mnemonics - what is it? It's a memory system. It is difficult for us to keep in mind and reproduce numbers, numerical series, lists of words, and so on, rather than logical, associative and other connections between these objects. It is for them that it is easier to find information in memory. And if there are no such connected threads, they must be created. This is what most of the techniques of mnemonics work on.
How long can these encrypted objects be stored in our head? How many will be required. The main thing is to play them periodically.
Memory, like our body, requires constant training. The brain must constantly work. The more it is loaded, the more efficient its performance. Mnemonics are known from ancient times. The ancient Greeks noticed a direct relationship between memory and the senses. It was believed that the moreemotions a person will receive in the process of life, the brighter will be his recollection. Therefore, when performing memorization exercises, it is necessary to connect association flashes.
Associations are the foundation. Only by learning to recreate correct and strong images in your head, you can move on. Illogical and strange associations contribute to better memorization.
How to create an association?
There are several rules:
- The resulting image will help you remember the information.
- The picture should be illogical, ridiculous and even meaningless. The more extraordinary a situation arises in your head, the more it will crash into consciousness. If you manage to create a mental image of the subject, this is the floor of success.
- Mnemonics for beginners will seem easy if you learn how to recreate large, bright, detailed images. It is desirable to connect all your senses to this process.
- Let the association be funny, the first thing that could come to mind.
- Introduce yourself. For greater memorization efficiency, activate the association.
For example, you need to remember two words: "camel" and "sandbox". Imagine that you are playing in the sandbox, sculpting Easter cakes. And in the distance near the swing stands a camel, chewing on a thorn. And then he sat down next to her, putting out his huge legs to the sides to fit in a tiny sandbox. You look and think why the camel is here, I came to the sandbox to pick up my son. What did he forget? Suddenly the camel jumped and disappeared around the bend, andthe child ran after the giant.
Therefore, in order for our memory to store the received information for a long time, dry facts should be replaced with vivid pictures. There are a lot of mnemonics techniques, we will talk about some in more detail below, and so, each has a number of characteristics:
- Innovation. The bottom line is that no matter what technique you choose and how difficult it is, the main thing is that the exercise is new, and, therefore, the benefits will be greater. The goal is to get out of your comfort zone.
- Difficulty level. It is necessary to choose such trainings on which you need to make an effort, gain knowledge. For example, learn a new language.
- Interest, without which you will not go far. And yet, it is necessary to take tasks with an increasing level of complexity. It should be high, but not high enough to reveal your inability.
Results can only be achieved through regular training. So, we briefly covered the question of what it is - mnemonics, talked a little about the techniques, which we will return to later. Let's figure out how to learn mnemonics.
Tips for getting results
Whether it's mnemonics for beginners or you've already mastered some of the basics, you need to know in order to develop a memorization system, you need to use it more often. Start with simple tasks. If you need to learn how to memorize numbers, start with phone numbers, credit cards. Come up with long numerical series, for example, a password for your account, and set up protection, and train your memory.
If you wantmemorize non-numeric information, you can use a book, but not fiction. Because, mnemonics - what is it? This is a set of methods and techniques that allow memorizing large amounts of information. A novel, as you know, contains a plot with a logical sequence of related events. The presence of these connections makes it easy to assimilate the material. Let it be better physics, chemistry or geography.
And some more tips on mnemonics for beginners:
- Choice of method. It is important to choose the right system that suits your type of thinking and perception.
- Selection of pictures and links. Some sources give unambiguous recommendations, for example, to present such and such objects, and what should be done with them. But, each person has an individuality and transforms the information received into images, based on personal experience, using his associations. Therefore, do not stop and despair, the recommendations given can serve as starting points.
- Repetition. A good result can be achieved through numerous, regular workouts. They need to be done every day or at least three times a week. The acquired experience needs to be consolidated, the skill should be brought to automaticity, so that it can be used without difficulty at any time. Repeat different phrases. Memory needs to be shown that the saved objects are relevant and important to you, get out of it the material that was put there a long time ago.
- Calm. You need to train in complete silence. No, it's possibleto do in the subway, but, most importantly, so that you can concentrate and abstract from the world around you. At the initial stage of mastering a method, do not allow uninvited emotions, anger, stress, and so on to interfere in the process. Firstly, it will be difficult to understand whether it suits you, and secondly, in subsequent work, its use may be associated with precisely these associations, which will interfere with the memorization process.
Mnemonics are exciting, the main thing is to first decide on the purpose for which you need a developed memory: remember numbers (phone numbers, passwords), to study a foreign language or law.
When learning the methods of mnemonics for beginners, the main mistake is the illusion that after a few trainings, many consider themselves professionals. At the right time, the association does not work. This is all because there is little practical skills for remembering information for a long time. It seems that the connection between the images turned out to be correct, but it did not work. It takes a lot and hard practice, and the methods of mnemonics will obey you step by step.
Why, in general, do we need mnemonics?
Firstly, mnemonics is self-education. We not only learn to memorize large amounts of information, it improves the functioning of the brain, this, secondly, thereby improving our memory. And thirdly, the constant use of techniques will allow you to put into work and use:
- Attention. As you know, memory and attention are closely related. Link trackingbetween pictures, replacing objects with images trains attention and improves concentration over the actions performed.
- Image thinking. Its development contributes to quick analysis and decision-making.
- The ability to visualize. The ability to draw images and associative pictures to them is a unique opportunity that helps to quickly memorize large amounts of information. And, in general, it changes life for the better, you look at it with different eyes.
- Imagination, which mnemonics perfectly develops. You will notice how quickly you can find a solution, and your vision will be bright and non-standard, and others will find it difficult.
In general, mnemonics contributes to the fact that both hemispheres of the brain are included in the work, the left is responsible for logic, the right for imagination. Usually people use only one hemisphere, the left. Because they use a logical approach to solving a problem, and by connecting the right one, the possibilities of the brain are used much more widely, making the thinking process more efficient.
Let's look at the basic techniques
They can be practiced every day and absolutely everyone:
Basic method "Chain", for memorizing a large number of items. He is simple. Recommended for beginners in mnemonics. Let's say we need to remember a list of products to buy. What we do is imagine a bright image and glue it mentally with another object, the same colorful, the same size. Then these images are linked together in pairs. Once the connection is formed, the firstthe picture is removed from consciousness by shifting attention to the second one. After that, there is a connection between the second and third, and so on. When the chain is remembered, several images pop up in the mind at once
For example, you need to buy chicken, eggs and millet. Introducing a chicken that hatches eggs. The chicks have hatched and are beginning to peck at the millet. And so on, a whole tower of images is built. So you can remember up to a hundred names.
- Reception "Matryoshka". Here the images are paired. The first picture of the association is always larger and contains the second one. Here, as in a nesting doll, one picture is placed in another, while a small element appears to us as a large one and is connected to a part of a large object. When they are connected, we transfer attention to a smaller one, the other should disappear from consciousness. Then we mentally increase it and attach the third one. And so on. The images are nested within each other. At the same time, only two images should be clearly drawn.
- Reception "Symbolization". Used to memorize abstract concepts. When coding a certain image, you need to ask yourself the question of how it can be represented. Let's say cold is associated with ice, summer with emerald grass, spring with a bouquet of tulips, and autumn with yellow maple leaves.
The difference between mnemonics and cramming is that in the second case, information is remembered after reading and repeating several times. Here, memorization occurs immediately, and then, adhering to a certain algorithm, the information received must be repeated.
Now it is clear that mnemonics for the development of memoryis an efficient method. Thanks to it, memory not only improves, but also the reading speed increases, and information is absorbed faster.
What other mnemonics and ways to develop memory exist?
Let's talk about the "Cicero" method for memorizing textual information. He was so named in honor of the great historical figure, philosopher, politician, excellent lawyer, excellent orator, who at the end of his life became a consul. He made a huge contribution to the development of European culture. He was declared an enemy of the state and executed, but his memory remains forever.
Mark Tullius Cicero had a unique memory, which he was famous for, he was an excellent orator, and he spoke all his speeches without looking at the sheet, reproduced dates, numbers and many facts and names. He just used the techniques of mnemonics, which was used in practice by the ancient Greek poet Simonides.
First let's define how the method works
It has another name "Roman Room". The point is that the images are attached to the familiar environment of the house, which appear in a certain sequence. Thanks to these associations, familiar interior items were easily reproduced in memory, to which numbers, dates and names were attached. This method is popular in mnemonics for beginners.
Working principle
This way of mnemonics is very interesting. There are certain memorization rules:
- The interior of a room, office or the whole apartment is a matrix to whichassociations of objects that need to be remembered are attached. Here it is important to follow a certain sequence, for example, move clockwise or on the right side, if you imagine the path from home to work.
- Matrix fixation. It is necessary to mentally walk around the room several times in order to remember a clear arrangement of objects.
- Linking information to certain matrix objects, for example, to the decor of a room or office.
Next, you should familiarize yourself with the rules of memorization.
Recommendations
There are some features that facilitate the memorization process using this method:
- Images should be attached to objects that are well lit.
- The real size of the object must be reversed, if the object is large, we represent it as small and vice versa.
- The connection of a familiar object with a new image should be bright and dynamic. You can use an action trick or just turn on an imaginary colorful coloring.
Let's give an example of the Cicero method
As a starting point, we will use the interior of the room: a door, a corner, a window, a mirror, a sofa. Words to remember: angel, rat, fire, old man, ax.
The association will look like this: I go to the door, and I see an angel blinding with light. I open the door, and a huge rat runs into the corner. I glance at the window, and it was engulfed in flames. Then I see a mirror from which an old man is looking at me. I walk up to the couch and start hitting him with the ax.
Mnemonics are popular for developing memory in adults and not only. It can be used by everyone, it is effective and easy to use. "Roman Room" will teach you to easily memorize information and reproduce it at any time, no worse than the notorious speaker.
And in conclusion, I would like to note that you need to approach everything competently. There is a lot of literature with memorization methods, but the books mix different, sometimes incompatible techniques. It turns out a kind of fuss, in which no system can be traced. Another problem is the complete lack of theoretical justification for the methods used. Without theory, any practice will be ineffective. The terms "mnemonics" and "self-education" are identical, because by developing memory in different ways, we get a lot of new knowledge. And you need to constantly improve.
