Easier learning: Instructional strategies-VII

What makes learning easier? Instructional strategies-VII

Acronyms

I prefer using acronym when learning. I found Luz's use of acronym IP on MAT + cytokinesis every effective way to remember what is to me a very unfamiliar concept. Given the fact that the only prior knowledge I have about chromosomes is the X and Y stuff and the ability to spell chromosomes, IP on MAT with its impolite humor was able to capture my attention. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the information, the somewhat infantile humor of the acronym makes me think that it may not be so difficult after all. It's like a lure.—Wai King Hung February 28, 2008, EDCI 6304

I thought of the first letter because I remembered Dr. Boyanton’s PowerPoint slides in where she uses the first letter of the word to help us remember. I can still remember PURRS and how it is related to long-term memory. The P stands for Permanent, the U for Unlimited, the R for Retrievable, the R for Related, and the S for Schemata.—Aracelie Gutierrez, Mar 4, 2008, EDCI 6304

I think that as a learner I try to find patterns to help me understand new material. I tend to use mnemonic devices as often as I can to help me remember. For example, Dr. Boyanton's powerpoint presentations, She highlights the first letter of key terms in a different color. When I try to remember a list of items, for example, Gagne's nine events, I use those first letters as a guide to help me remember. —Carlos Moreno March 4, 2008, EDCI 6304

Erickson’s Psychological Development Theory stated that psychological development is predetermined, is universal and not affected by the environment, might be different from culture to culture, and can affect a person later in life. The examples that were used to further explain all the psychological needs of people, or TAIIIIGI, were very helpful to visualize and remember.—Juanita C. Torres, Feb 5, 2008, EDCI 4322-60

Acrostic

I have always found it to be easier when you teach a complex concept by using acronyms, personal association, little songs, rhymes, etc. This has always worked for me from grade school through graduate school. For me acronyms or acrostics always work. Here are some examples: Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally (Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction), My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas (the 8 planets including Pluto), ...—Mayra Garcia February 27, 2008, EDCI 6304

I remember my freshman year in high school, my algebra teacher taught us Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally to learn the rules of algebra. Which means parentheses first, exponents second, multiplication third, division fourth, addition next, then subtraction. If we learned it we would be good in solving the algebra problems. It did help me. To teach the children the cardinal directions I tell them while pointing to the directions, Never Eat Sour Watermelon and this helps them. —Smile, March 3, 2008, EDCI 6304

Using songs/rhymes

I am also amazed at the other group when they created a song about short-term memory from the tune “You are my Sunshine”. —Dorothy Hung, Mar 4, 2008, EDCI 6304

To read more on easier learning:
Greetings from the Editor/Instructor
Easier learning: Introduction
Easier learning: Instructional strategies-I
Easier learning: Instructional strategies-II
Easier learning: Instructional strategies-III
Easier learning: Instructional strategies-VI
Easier learning: Instructional strategies-V
Easier learning: Instructional strategies-VI
Easier learning: Instructional strategies-VII
Easier learning: Instructional strategies-VIII
Easier learning: Instructional strategies-IX
Easier learning: Instructional strategies-X
Easier learning: Teacher factors
Easier learing: Be a strategic learner