Mnemonic Devices
Mnemonic instruction is a set of strategies designed to help students improve their memory of new information. Mnemonics instruction links new information to prior knowledge through the use of visual and/or acoustic cues. Mnemonic instruction has been shown to significantly aid in recall, retention, and understanding.
Some mnemonic devices that are commonly used in the math classroom are:
Click here to access LD@school’s template for the FOIL mnemonic.
Click here to access LD@school’s template for the BEDMAS mnemonic.
To cue students to recall simple math facts from memory, or rely on previously learned strategies, use:
Click here to access LD@school’s template for the DRAW mnemonic.
Click here to access LD@school’s template for the SOLVE mnemonic.
If students are having trouble with using SOLVE or DRAW, SIGNS may provide enough extra cues to solve the problem.
Click here to access LD@school’s template for the SIGNS mnemonic.
For solving word problems:
Click here to access LD@school’s template for the FAST DRAW mnemonic.
For students who can read and understand word problems, but who have difficulty developing an equation to solve them:
Click here to access LD@school’s template for the RIDGES mnemonic.
While research supports the use of mnemonic devices for some students with LDs, it is important to note that the devices rely on verbal skills and memory, and therefore may not be best suited for students with deficits in these areas.