What this strategy makes you do is that, when you have a certain word or short phrases to memorize, you come up with a very exaggerated, unusual, and absurd thing that sounds like or looks like the word. Pretty much, whatever that comes up in your head first is going to be the one that will help you memorize easier. You try to visualize the word and match it with some thing that you can physically touch. When you associate a word with something very absurd and unusual that you only know about, that word and whatever you are thinking of will stick in your brain.
For Bio this week, we already took an exam so there was not a lot to cover. However, since we started learning about new things I figured i should try out some memorization strategies. Since I'm a kinesthetic learner, by having me physically come up with matching words or anything will help me learn quicker and more efficiently. In our lecture, we went through couple teeth structures and names. Having me just trying to memorize the name of the teeth to its function and location would be hard to do. It is do-able but it would be efficient. So, I used the link strategy.
We have set of teeth called "Incisors", so I thought to myself, it sounds like "scissors" and "scissors" cut down (biting). Another example is, the set of teeth called "Canine". It sounded like the k9 dogs, which are very ferocious and can cut down into flesh. So I figured, that would be the sharpest set of teeth. Premolars/ Molars are just simply easy to memorize the function so I used them to help me in my location of the teeth. Premolars sounded like "Pre-MARS" (planet) so it should be before MARS. Molars sounded like MARS so I associated that into being the farthest one out of all the teeth.
I believe that this strategy can be very helpful in the future since most of my classes consist of me memorizing words and definitions. However for me, I only have certain words that i can relate to something random and still be able to memorize it. It probably wouldn't be my main source of memorization but I think if I change it around a little bit, I should be able to use it on my own good.
I agree with you that adapting the strategies to our individual classes is key because there isn't a point in using something that doesn't really apply to what you are trying to learn. I adapted LINK to classes that don't really test vocab definitions by following the the link recipe, but also relating the words to diagrams provided in lectures helped me a lot. If you drew a diagram showing scissors, dogs and mars in their respective positions in the mouth. Relating the terms will further reinforce their meaning.
ReplyDeletenice job on your blog! i really agree that we should imply these materrial each class for better learing and better student. however, for this link system, you should be careful that longterm memoery. this skill is very good for your short term memory. you should find a way that you could put this word on your long term brain otherwise great job!!
ReplyDeleteI also used LINK just like you too and it had worked for me very well. However, you should draw the words and try to link the words to the pictures. Especially if you are a visual learner, linking pictures with the words actually help memorize the terms a lot easier. nice blog!
ReplyDeleteI hope you had tried some more words to adapt the link system and come up with some more examples. It was a good try to adapt a new strategy to your studying method. Maybe it could've helped if you have tried some more words to link them because not every words are helpful if you force to link them with the pictures that do not really make sense. Good job blogging!
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