An Investigation of the Role of Mnemonics in Higher Education

Abstract

In this recent research study of teaching engineering graduates, I investigated student engagement levels in the classroom, with a specific interest in the importance and effectiveness of mnemonics in learning engineering subjects for all learners. I defined mnemonic instruction as a strategy that provides a visual or verbal prompt for students who may have difficulty in retaining information. It is a memory enhancing instructional strategy that involved teaching engineering students to link new information that is taught to information they already know. I investigated mnemonics effectiveness in my class room by means of using student interviews, an instructor survey, Pupil surveys and scholar and teacher journals. I discovered that mnemonics works for most of my students and has become a useful tool in my classroom. As a result of this research, I plan to continue to use mnemonics not only in my theory class, but also in the teaching of laboratory (Practical) sessions.