Using Acronyms and Mnemonics To Help ELA Teachers and Other Educators Rock the Common Core
An Age-old Strategy That Can Skyrocket Student Success
As a veteran teacher, I have been through more acronyms than I can remember. It is no wonder, for educational research proves that these strategies aid memory, reduce stress, and help master new information. Thus, I continually implement this type of mnemonic device for my students to help them master the important skills of the curriculum.
What Are Mnemonics and Why Should Teachers Use Them?
The Learning Center Exchange defines mnemonics as “memory devices that help learners recall larger pieces of information, especially in the form of lists like characteristics, steps, stages, parts, phases, etc.”
The scientific basis for this technique revolves around neuroscience and its impact on learning. Researchers have found that the more connections and associations one can make between new information and existing information in the brain, the better the ability of the brain to recall this new information.
This is where mnemonics come in. They take letters, words, names, or even pictures and use them to create associations with new facts and ideas.
