Experiment with memory aids and mnemonics and workaround techniques such as recording lectures to discover what helps your students retain and recall information. One common exercise is acronym creation, where students use the first letters of a sequence to form a memorable phrase. For example, to remember the order of the planets, they might use ‘My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas.’ This approach can be adapted to various subjects, such as historical events or scientific processes.

Visualization techniques are another engaging exercise. Students can visualize complex processes, like the human digestive system, by imagining food as a colorful ball traveling through a winding road (esophagus), a churning factory (stomach), and a long, colorful tunnel (intestines). This method can also be applied to abstract concepts, such as the water cycle or the periodic table, making them easier to understand and remember.

Brain-training games are an enjoyable way to boost working memory. These games challenge students to improve their memory skills through interactive and fun activities. One such exercise is number memory, where students are presented with a sequence of numbers to memorize and repeat, forwards or backwards.

You: “7-12-3-9”
Student: “9-3-12-7”

The complexity increases as more numbers are added, and variations can include using letters or colors.

Storytelling with clues is another engaging exercise. Students are given a series of pictures, such as a book, a key, and a door, and tasked with creating a story that incorporates all the items. This activity can be varied by using words or sounds, enhancing creativity and memory simultaneously.