Essay: Memory & Learning Strategies

Linguistic Mnemonics
The Peg Method
This method allows unrelated items, such as words in a word list, to be recalled by linking them with a set of memorized "pegs" or "hooks."  All animals with four legs, for instance. Or, words with a double “O.”

The Keyword Method
The German word Ei "egg" can be learned by first establishing an acoustic link with the English word eye and then conjuring up an interactive image of an egg with an eye in the middle of it. Similarly, the Spanish word pan "bread" can be learned by imagining a loaf of bread in a pan.

Spatial Mnemonics
The Loci Method
To use this ancient technique, one imagines a familiar location, such as a room. Then one mentally places the first item to be remembered in the first location, the second item in the second location, and so forth. To recall the items, one takes an imaginary walk along the landmarks in the room and retrieves the items that were "put" there. 

Spatial Grouping
Rearrange words on a page to form different kinds of patterns such as triangles, squares, columns, and so on. 

The Finger Method 
 Associate each item to be learned with a finger. Works well when there are ten items or fewer.

Visual Mnemonics 
Pictures 
Pair pictures with words you need to learn. Studies have shown that this is an effective and efficient way to memorize vocabulary.  Works well with prepositions.

Visualization
Instead of using real pictures, visualize a word you need to remember. This is much more
effective than merely repeating the word. 

Physical Mnemonics
Physically enacting the information in a word or a sentence results in better recall than simple repetition. Several teaching techniques are based on physical reenactment. Golfers use this method.

Grouping
It is well known in psychology that if the material to be memorized is organized in some fashion, learners can use this organization to their benefit. Group the words you need to remember by color, size, function, likes/dislikes, good/bad, or any other feature that makes sense to you. 

Elaborating

Relate new words to others. For example, if you need to remember the foreign language word for cat think of word for dog. Alternatively, you can think of the categorical term animal. 

The Narrative Chain
Link words in a list together into a sentence or a story. By using the words and associating them with each other you create a firmer connection between the new words and those already stored in your memory. 

Semantic Mapping
Arrange the words into a diagram with the/a key word at the top and related words as branches linked to the key word and to each other. You can practice this technique in a group. 

Self-Assessment 
Practicing retrieval can improve long-term recall. In addition, you can find out what percentage of the material you retained with your study method and timing. If you are not satisfied with the results, try new techniques and/or spend more time on task. 

Personalization
No two people in the world have the same vocabulary because everybody has different interests and experiences. In addition to the vocabulary contained in your learning materials, you should make an effort to learn words in the foreign language that reflect your own interests and expertise. Think about your own vocabulary and how your interests influence it.

Review
Even though your self-test revealed perfect recall, chances are that by the next day you will have forgotten part of the material. Unlike computers, human beings tend to forget over time. Therefore, one of the keys to successful language study is regular reviewing of previously learned material. 

Spaced Practice
Spaced practice leads to better long-term recall. Long periods of study are less helpful for long-term retention to foreign language learners than shorter but more frequent study periods. 

Real-Life Practice
When material learned in one context is retrieved in another, memory performance tends to suffer. Military training, therefore, always includes practice under conditions that simulate those in the battle field. Language skills learned in the highly familiar and safe cocoon of the classroom tend to disintegrate in the more stressful real-life communication conditions. Participation in real-life communicative situations during language training is a must.