World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology

International Journal of Educational and Pedagogical Sciences

Vol:13, No:2, 2019

The Use of Mnemonic and Mathematical Mnemonic

Method in Improving Historical Understanding
Lee Bih Ni, Nurul Asyikin Binti Hassan

 to keep in mind all the frequently-used information and

Abstract—This paper discusses the use of mnemonic and immediate information. The mnemonic types used are various,
mathematical methods in enhancing the understanding of history. depending on the type of man that varies from one another.
Mnemonics can help students from all levels including high school Other people have different ways or means to remember
and in various disciplines including language, math and history. At
something. What is important is that everyone should use
the secondary level, students are exposed to various courses that
require them to remember many facts that can be mastered through mnemonic methods that are appropriate to them and work
the application of mnemonic techniques. Researchers use narrative well. Among the commonly used mnemonic techniques are
literature studies to illustrate the current state of art and science in the loci methods, keyword systems, chunking, acronyms and
field of research focused. Researchers used narrative literature acrostic techniques. In addition to ease of memory, this
Open Science Index, Educational and Pedagogical Sciences Vol:13, No:2, 2019 waset.org/Publication/10009984

reviews to build a scientific base of knowledge. Researchers gather technique is very helpful in remembering many complex facts
all the key points in the discussion, and put it here by referring to the
as well as improving memory input, reducing stress and
specific field where the paper is essentially based. The findings
suggest that the use of mnemonic techniques can improve the helping widen the scope of memory in the max. This
individual's memory by adding little effort. In implementing technique demonstrates that memory skills can actually be
mnemonic techniques, it is important to integrate mathematics and improved, the mind can remember something more than
history in the course as both are interconnected as mathematics has expected and by using the appropriate techniques will
shaped our history and vice versa. This study shows that memory facilitate the memory process. Hence, the use of mnemonic
skills can actually be improved; the human mind can remember
techniques in the present and future is very much needed,
something more than expected.
especially for students who need to bear in mind many
Keywords—Cognitive strategy, mnemonic technique, secondary important facts [2].
school level study, mathematical mnemonic.
II. LITERATURE REVIEW
I. INTRODUCTION A. Secondary School Students Definition

I T is a requirement for a student to remember the various

facts in the mastery of a science, whether it is language,
mathematics, history and so on. Individual failure to master
Secondary schools often refer to form one to five students
whose style of study is quite different from those of lower-
level students. However, the true nature of the secondary
something is not caused by their cognitive disabilities, but school word is to refer to a system of pre-university education
rather to the selection of the cognitive strategies they use. before attending the Malaysian High School Certificate (Sijil
Among the failures in the mastery of knowledge are the use of Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia/STPM) or Diploma program.
inappropriate cognitive techniques or strategies. In addition, In this study, secondary school students refer to students who
lazy attitudes to trying memory-assisting techniques are also are in the form of one to five, lower secondary students and
one of the reasons why many have a low level of memory. An also upper secondary students. This group of students is
effective technique in enhancing individual memory composed of those who just have just completed the primary
capabilities is mnemonic technique. This technique makes the school level. The secondary school level can also be
process of remembering something easier. Mnemonics use the considered as a transition period from primary to secondary
principle of association, which is the information to be school. Hence, this group of students should be equipped with
remembered associated with other information that is easy to basic learning skills in preparation for stepping into the more
remember. It drives memory to remember the facts by challenging Form Three Assessment (Pentaksiran Tingkatan
associating it with simpler and easier information and data Tiga/PT3) and Malaysian Certificate of Education (Sijil
available. Mnemonics can capture information in a form that Pelajaran Malaysia/SPM). These basic skills include skills to
is easy to remember to help someone remember something improve memory. This is because the curriculum form at the
that matters [1]. Mnemonics can help students from all levels Secondary School Standard Curriculum (Kurikulum Standard
whether pre-school, primary, secondary, and tertiary education Sekolah Menengah/KSSM) is basically basic knowledge that
includes facts that must be remembered and mastered [12].
Lee Bih Ni is with the Faculty of Psychology and Education, Universiti B. Definition of Mnemonic Method
Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia (e-mail:
leeh_ni@yahoo.com). The mnemonic word (mnemonic) is from the Greek word
Nurul Asyikin Hassan is with Council of People Trust (Majlis Amanah meaning 'to remember'. Mnemonics have been used since over
Rakyat, MARA) Science Junior College, Education Department, Kota
Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia (e-mail: leeh_ni@yahoo.com).
a thousand years ago by Greece and Rome. The ancient

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 World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
International Journal of Educational and Pedagogical Sciences
Vol:13, No:2, 2019

Greeks too adored memory, such that they had a god called or concepts to keep in mind. For example, remembering the
Mnemosyne, meaning thought carefully. A variety of memory word muallimah (female teacher) in Arabic we associate it
strategies are designed by them to help remember information, with Mak Limah because the word is easy to remember, as
aiming to attract listeners when addressing or arguing in the another example, to remember the meaning of the word,
Senate. Modern mnemonic words refer to memory driving hyperbolic (excessive love in telling something), try to
techniques to remember facts by associating them with imagine a keeper who cannot catch the ball soaring high.
simpler forms of information and data. Similarly, in learning a foreign language, mnemonic
techniques are very helpful in remembering new words and
III. METHODOLOGY meanings. For example, remembering the word door,
In this paper, narrative literature is used to describe the mirroring and hitting in Arabic is by using the same words as
current state of both art and science in the focus. The the Malay language. So the door (baa-bun) sounds like a
researcher used a literary narrative research to build the baboon (a baboon in the door), the mirror (mer-ah) sounds like
foundation of scientific knowledge, and collect all the red (red mirror) and hit (like a doroba) with the name Drogba
important points in the discussion and put them here with soccer player (Drogba hit the player ball) [8].
reference to the particular field in which this paper was 3. Connect Technique
originally based.
Connecting is the process of associating or associating one
Open Science Index, Educational and Pedagogical Sciences Vol:13, No:2, 2019 waset.org/Publication/10009984

word with another word through an action or an illustration.

IV. FINDINGS
This strategy is commonly used with a word marker system to
A. Type of Mnemonic Methods remind a series of information in a particular order. With the
word marker strategy that has been taught earlier, for example,
1. Loci Techniques
the telephone number 019-441 0467 can be remembered by
Loci means location is a mnemonic technique that works by being linked with (4) damaged car wheels drawn by large
associating a place or objects in a location that is known for lorries that are also wheeled (4) to a corner that exists (1)
the things to be remembered. For example, we will create a empty (0). The large wheeled wheel (4) carries half dozen
presentation that contains three main topics. Each section of eggs (6) to eat during a week (7). Or you want to simplify the
the presentation will be associated with a marker representing process of remembering it by combining numbers in multiple
the presentation sequence. For example, we try to imagine a units, so that numbers can be remembered more easily. The
classroom. The flower pot in the corner of the classroom is the key to making relationships is to use imagination. The formed
first thing we see when moving forward. We choose the relationship does not need to be logical or realistic, it is
flower vase to remind us of congratulations on lecturers and important that the relationship triggers your memory [3], [8].
classmates in the classroom. The lights in the class are
selected to remind us of the next topic or the contents of the 4. Acronym
speech, and possibly the door of the class is selected to remind Acronym is a word that results from the first letter of a
the closing part of the presentations we will convey. series of words. One of the notable acronyms is NASA, the
When we want to use this technique, we need to choose a space agency of the United States, stands for the National
place that is very close to ourselves like home, car, office or Aeronautics and Space Administration. Organizational names
something else. Another example is, if we want to remember are often shortened in the form of acronyms, for example
the list of kitchen items to buy which consists of tomato sauce, KUIS acronyms of Kolej Universiti Islam Antarabangsa
onion, banana, and soy sauce. We know we will be back home Malaysia (International Islamic University College of
by driving a car. Spend our time imagining this. The tomato Malaysia). Acronyms are time-consuming to use a second
sauce bottle breaks and spills in the car bonnet, we cover the letter (usually vowels) so abbreviations are easier to read but
bonnet firmly and the tomato sauce is frowning out. The onion the acronyms do not necessarily form words. Use our
is hanging over the car window mirror, the banana jumps out imagination if we need to remember the five things we need to
of the car radio, and the soy sauce is spilled over the car do when we go home, for example, cuci baju, mandi,
cushion. memasak, solat, dan baca Quran (washing clothes, bathing,
Now, when we get into the car to go home from work and cooking, prayer, and reading the Quran). Automatically, we
want to remember what to buy, we only need to look at the will be able to trigger our memory by creating a BM2-SQ
hood of the car, and the others will reappear in our acronym.
imagination. In Islamic studies, for example, remembrance of the rules of
The more weird and unique our imagination is, the easier it marriage comprised of Suami, Isteri, Saksi, Wali dan Akad
is for us to remember. (Husband, Wife, Witness, Guardian and Charter) may be
abbreviated using the SISWA acronym method.
2. Keyword Techniques
These mnemonic techniques have been used by people over 5. Acrostic
the years, especially to remember foreign language words and Acrostic-like acronyms also use key letters to make the
abstract concepts. This technique is another association that abstract concept more concrete, making it easy to remember.
associates verbally and visually equivalent words with words However, acrostics do not always use the first letter and do not

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International Journal of Educational and Pedagogical Sciences
Vol:13, No:2, 2019

necessarily produce abbreviations in one word, the Ngah et al. [10] in a study titled Mnemonic Learning
information remembered in acrostic can be a certain word or Technique in Form Four Islamic Education explained the
phrase. For example, to remember the colorful sequence of problem of remembering as being the main challenge for
rainbows, the use of acrostic mamat to sell green beans is a lot mastering the topics contained in the Form Four Islamic
of profit: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, purple. Education subject to containing the facts, which requires a
Another example is that we can recall the Qalqalah letters in suitable learning style to strengthen memory. This study was
the tajwid reading al-Quran by creating acronyms "baju di carried out with the aim of looking at the use of Mnemonic
toko (shirt in the shop)” for “ba, Jim, Dal, Tho, Qof” [7]. Learning Techniques to improve memory and achievement of
For example, in remembrance of the length sequence in the Form Four Islamic Education subjects. The Mnemonic
metric system, we can use mnemonic techniques by using techniques applied in this study are the acronyms, keyword
paragraphs; Maka Cina Dengan Melayu Duduk Hampir techniques, loci techniques, acrostic techniques, and puncture
Kilang (So Chinese With Malay Sit Near The Factory). This is techniques. The conclusions of the study show that mnemonic
an acrostic technique for the order of metric sizes: Millimeter, techniques give students the necessary techniques to organize
Centimeter, Decimeter, Meter, Decameter, Hectometer and information more easily and to have the ability to extract
Kilometer [8]. information at any time required. Therefore, mnemonic-
Another example that is always used is when we memorize related techniques are essential to facilitate the teaching and
the colors of the rainbow; Mamat Jual Kacang Hijau Banyak learning process of students. The result of this study shows
Open Science Index, Educational and Pedagogical Sciences Vol:13, No:2, 2019 waset.org/Publication/10009984

Ia Untung (Mamat Selling Green Beans Many It's Profit) that mnemonic technique affects student learning and can be
which represents the colors of Merah, Jingga, Kuning, Hijau, used as an alternative to the teacher to apply it in the
Biru, Indigo, Ungu (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, classroom. Effective learning techniques in the classroom
Indigo, Purple) [8], [7]. need to be examined so that they can attract students, increase
student motivation, improve student self-esteem, apply
B. Technical Principles of Mnemonic
concepts effectively to students and indirectly improve their
The use of mnemonic techniques can improve the achievement in exams.
individual's memory by simply adding a little effort. In Yahya [4] conducted an action study to improve the
implementing mnemonic techniques, some basic principles achievement of the 6th year student listing the factors affecting
need to be addressed [9]: agricultural activities in the subject of Local Studies using the
1. Use of mental images. Remembering visual images is method of mnemonic acrostics. The subjects of the study
easier than remembering words. So we need to change the consisted of five students of the 6th year of Mars who
information to the mental image to be happy to hear. experienced problems in remembering the factors affecting
2. Make it meaningful. By making things memorable as agricultural activities. The data were collected through pre-test
meaningful, it can transfer information from short-term and post-test, observation and interview. The results of the test
memory to long-term memory. If we want to remember data analysis showed that the percentage of the subjects of the
something but it does not mean to us, then we have to study was significantly increased, with four people getting a
give it a meaning so it's easy to remember. full score of 100% and a subject of 92.30%. The findings of
3. Make information an ordinary thing. Connect information interviews and observations show that this method of
with something we already know. mnemonic acrostics helps subjects to list factors affecting
4. Forms of odd, extraordinary and exaggerated mental agriculture. The results of the study show that the method of
associations. Odd images will make the information you mnemonic acrostics can improve the achievement of the 6th
want to keep up to date and be memorable. year student in listing the factors affecting agricultural activity
C. Remember Historical Facts in the subject of Local Studies.
Ling [11] undertook an action study aimed at enhancing the Latifah [6] in his study has been researching three things: 1)
ability of Form 1 Amanah SMK Engkilili students to to find out how far the number of Arabic language vocabulary
remember historical facts using mnemonic methods. In the of class VIII students in MT.s Walisongo Sugihwaras
study, researchers have collected data in several ways, such as Bojonegoro, 2) to know the application of mnemonic strategy
interviews with six students, referring to their own diary, in increasing the acquisition of the Arabic vocabulary of grade
analyzing student notes, discussing with other history teachers VIII students in MT.s. Walisongo Sugihwaras Bojonegoro
and observing students during the process of mnemonic and, 3) to know the effectiveness of mnemonic strategies in
methods. Researchers have implemented mnemonic methods increasing the acquisition of the number of Arabic language
in two stages. The first stage involves the introduction of vocabulary of grade VIII in MT.s. Walisongo Sugihwaras
mnemonic methods and is carried out individually, while at Bojonegoro. In answering the question, researchers have used
the second stage, this method is implemented in a group. The quantitative methods with t-test applications. While the
study eventually found that mnemonic methods can help methods used in data collection include observation,
students memorize historical facts more effectively and make interviews, documentation, testing and data analysis methods.
them easier to review. In addition, student creativity can also The results showed that there was a significant increase in the
be found. acquisition of the Arabic vocabulary of class VIII students in
MT.s Walisingo, Sugihwaras Bojonegoro by using mnemonic

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strategies. 2. Greek History and Mathematics

Khoirunnisa [5] in the next study has once again focused on As learners know, many mathematical terms come from
the effectiveness of mnemonic techniques in the mastery of Greek words or letters. For example, the word polygon comes
the Arabic language vocabulary of students in the XI IPA from the Greek poly, meaning a lot, and gon from the word
Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 1 Bandung year of study 2013/2014. gonia.
This study was conducted using quasi-experimental method, Interesting activities for primary and secondary school
with non-equivalent control group design. The researchers set students combine this term with some Greek history, such as
up experimental groups and control groups of 30 people each. the Olympic Games.
Furthermore, the experimental group was given intervention A series of lessons learned can include a brief history of the
(treatment) which was the use of mnemonic techniques, while Olympics, learning math terminology in Greek, and then
the control group was not implemented the same technique. culminating in the Greek Mathematical Olympiad where
The results of the study have shown that there are positive and students must do something like:
significant relationships and influence on the ability to a. After listening to the name of the polygon, draw the
remember the vocabulary using mnemonic techniques. Among polygons correctly on the board (for example, the teacher
the recommendations of this study is the need for students to says the name of the polygon, for example, a dodecagon,
be more careful in selecting cognitive strategies that can be and the student tries to draw a polygon with twelve
used for Arabic language vocabulary learning. Meanwhile, squares).
Open Science Index, Educational and Pedagogical Sciences Vol:13, No:2, 2019 waset.org/Publication/10009984

educators need to be more innovative in the process of b. Relay race to the board to adjust the definition of Greek
teaching Arabic vocabulary. mathematical terms or letters (for example, pi matches its
D.Mathematical Mnemonic in History Learning circle diameter ratio).
c. Specify Greek symbols that are specifically used in math
It is very important to integrate mathematics and history in
(for example, delta call teachers and delta first students
the course; both are interrelated because mathematics has
indicate point changes).
shaped our history and vice versa. In this lesson, we discuss
The types of games students can play at the Greek
examples of activities that can be used to involve K-12
Olympics are limited by your imagination.
students in history and mathematics.
The ancients talked to math before the language was spoken 3. Pythagoras
or written. Ishango bone, considered as one of the earliest Pythagoras, the great ancient Greek philosopher, and the
relics depicting mathematical calculations, began 20,000 years mathematician of the 6th century BC were not discussed
ago. It was found in the African region of the Congo, and it without mathematics lessons and history, the theorem
shows a gap that depicts the numbers collected or grouped. responsible for spreading his name: the Pythagorean Theorem.
These bones are evidence of the mathematical practice of early Pythagoras is not only a talented mathematician and
human history and show how mathematics and history can be philosopher, but he is also a leader known as Pythagorean,
interspersed for thousands of years. who believes the universe is understood in terms of the total
Through the Middle Ages and modern prehistoric times, number. He is also a rather weird guy with strange hatred of
mathematics has become part of history; unfortunately, it has beans (just like rice and beans!). Similarly, it is said that when
been neglected in the K-12 curriculum. Teachers are he was chased by anger and refused to flee across the field, he
encouraged to focus on teaching a subject of History. was arrested and killed [13].
However, they can cross the curriculum by bringing elements Understanding Pythagoras and his adventures in Greece,
of Mathematical methods in teaching and learning History Italy, and Egypt are the best ways for your students to master
[13]. math and history. Activities may include making physical
1. Math Schedule models as proof of the Pythagorean Theorem.
Asyikin used mathematical mnemonic notes (mathematical
For students from elementary to high school, an interesting
formulas) in the form of graphs to explain the history of
activity can include creating timelines for historical progress
development in Europe to form 4 science stream students at
in mathematics, discovery and historical figures. The math
MRSM (Council of People Trust (Majlis Amanah Rakyat,
schedule will provide the entire student with math and visual
MARA) Science Junior College) [14].
representation throughout history.
This activity may take days, weeks, or the entire period to
occur. Due to the discussion over a period of time, math
related projects that occur can be published in appropriate
places on the timeline.
Students can create a long list of papers attached to a wall,
or they can also use the online tools of visual scheduling to
work, such as establishing a readwritethink.org timeline.
The first timetable entry is Ishango bones!

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Vol:13, No:2, 2019

[2] Azizi Yahaya, Asmah Suboh, Zurihanmi Zakariya and Fawziah Yahya.
2005. Cognitive Applications in Education. Pahang: PTS Professional
Publishing Sdn. Bhd.
[3] Ciccarelli, S. K. & White, J. N. 2012. Psychology (third edition).
Prentice Hall: Nerw Jersey.
[4] Khairulnaimah Binti Yahya. 2014. Improving the achievement of 6th
year pupils in the list of factors affecting agricultural activities in local
studies using an acne mnemonic method. In the Action Research
Seminar 2014 vol 2-3.
[5] Khoirunnisa, Annisa Siti. 2015. Mnemonic effectiveness in improving
students' ability to master Arabic vocabulary: a quasi-experimental study
on 11th grade students of Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 1 Bandung. S1 thesis,
Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia.
[6] Latifah, Siti Nurul Aini. 2015. Effectiveness of Mnemonic Strategies to
Improve Language Recognition of Language Vocabulary in Class VIII
in MT.s. Walisongo Sugihwaras Bojonegoro. Undergraduate thesis, UIN
Sunan Ampel Surabaya.
[7] Ma'rof Redzuan & Haslinda Abdullah. 2008. Psychology (third edition).
Fig. 1 Mathematical Mnemonic Notes Graph McGraw-Hill (Malaysia): Malaysia.
[8] Maizan Binti Mat. 2017. Mnemonic Techniques As A Cognitive
Strategy In Enhancing Pre-U Student Learning Capacity. National Pre
V. CONCLUSION University Seminar 2017 (NpreUS2017), Aug 23, 2017. Kuala Lumpur:
Open Science Index, Educational and Pedagogical Sciences Vol:13, No:2, 2019 waset.org/Publication/10009984

RHR Hotel.
One of the amazing human advantages is memory. Humans [9] Mohammad Amiryousefr and Saed Ketabi. 2011. Mnemonic Instruction:
can recall what happened to them even though it may have A Way To Boost Vocabulary Learning And Recall. Journal Of
happened long ago. Memory is a biological process, coded Language Learning And Research, pp. 78-182.
[10] Mohd Romei Ngah, Harun Baharudin & Mohd Aderi Che Noh. 2016.
information, stored and recalled. Since memory is a process, Mnemonic learning techniques in Form four Islamic education. In the
the process must run well and optimal. The complaints argued 11th International Islamic Education Discourse Series, November 16,
that "I'm a fool, I have no ability, and my memory is weak" is 2016. Malaysian Islamic Training Institute (ILIM) Bangi, Selangor,
1161-1171.
certainly very different from the fact that we really have the [11] Tang Geok Ling. 2005. "Improving the ability of students to remember
information storage capacity. We as humans have a brain that historical facts using the mneumonic method."In Proceedings of the
has great power even beyond the computer. But sometimes we Action Research Seminar in 2005, 3-4 October 2005. Sri Aman Division
Counseling Office and MP Batu Lintang, Kuching Sarawak, 97-107.
do not know how to use the power of the brain, especially in [12] Malaysia Ministry of Education. 2018. PT3, SPM, STPM, KSSM. Kuala
remembering something. Lumpur: Malaysia Ministry of Education.
Our ability to remember something is truly amazing, but [13] Vanessa Botts. 2017. Activities for Integrating Math & History in the
Classroom. USA: Study.com.
there may be several factors that make the process bothered. [14] Nurul Asyikin Binti Hassan. 2017. The Use of Mathematical
Many factors affect our ability to remember something. Mnemonics To Increase Understanding of Development In Europe.
Mnemonic techniques such as loci, keyword, acronyms, Master Thesis Proposal. Kota Kinabalu: Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
acrostic, and speakers techniques make it easy to remember
something. Using mnemonic techniques in remembering
information has many advantages, the time it takes to
remember is shorter and the memory will be stored in our
long-term memory. Being familiar with mnemonic techniques
in our daily lives may make us aware of the greatness of our
minds.
Based on this discussion, it can be concluded that the
mnemonic method can be used as a method or teaching
technique for lecturers in institutions of higher learning and
learning for students. The use of this technique is not limited
to any subject or course of study, only the innovation and
creativity of the lecturer itself. The suitability of this method is
more meaningful if the lecturers and students themselves have
a high creativity in forming a phrase. Hopefully this way,
teaching and learning in the classroom will be easier and more
interesting. This is particularly relevant to the current and
future students' conditions which require the simple form of
teaching and learning without affecting teaching and learning
objectives.

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