Comprehensive review of mnemonic devices and their applications : state of the art

Mnemonic devices can be defined as learning strategies which can often enhance the learning process and later the recall of information. On the other hand, mnemonic systems are special techniques or strategies consciously used to improve memory, they help employ information already stored in long-term memory in order to make memorisation an easier task. There is no doubt that mnemonic techniques are one of the most important methods and methodologies used in education. However, nowadays these methods seem to be unremembered and seldom used by teachers or students. There is a deficit in the actual reviews on this subject. In this article we review mnemonic methods from the point of view of teaching and learning science subjects. This article is the first work in literature that refers to and emphasises various and complex aspects of mnemonic devices applications in didactic practice like science learning and teaching, helping students with disabilities and behaviour problems and second language acquisition