Michael F. Shaughnessy
Senior Columnist EducationNews.org
Eastern New Mexico University

1) Judy, you have just written a book about a variety of mnemonics and what you call "old-school ways." What prompted you to write this book?

I've always had a good memory and realized that I use mnemonics every day – to remember the days of the month, my dad's birthday or where I left my car keys.  After some research I discovered that mnemonics come in all shapes and sizes and they reminded me of the way I learned stuff when I was at school.

2)  Do we need to return to those thrilling days of yesteryear when kids actually (gasp!) had to memorize stuff?

I think a little rote learning would not go amiss in schools today.

3) Those were great days when I learned "Thirty days hath September". How has education changed since you and I went to school?

There are many creative and exciting methods of teaching today (I also produce documentaries for UK cable channel Teachers TV so I have first hand experience of what goes on in UK classrooms) and I sometimes wish I could turn the clock back and return to school to benefit from contemporary teaching.  However, sitting down to do some honest to goodness memorizing is vital for a balanced education.

4) Back in school, I actually had to memorize stuff like speeches- some kids had to memorize the Gettysburg Address- I had to recite Theodore Roosevelt's last speech. Do you think memorization helps with good study habits and (yikes!) discipline?  

Definitely.  I think having a good grasp of things gives you self-esteem and confidence too.  I had to learn passages from Shakespeare.

5) Some great teachers that I know still use the old memory tricks- For Example- Every Good Boy Does Fine - for the musical line notation, and FACE for the spaces. Has the computer changed things in terms of learning?

These days if you don't know something you can google it, so the internet has made research much easier.

 You can't refer to Google if you've just been introduced to someone at a cocktail party and you have to remember their name and profession etc. You've always had to concentrate and use your memory even in the 21st century!

6) HOMES- Huron-Ontario, Michigan, Erie and Superior- this is how I learned about the Great Lakes- How can acrostics, if you will, help kids learn stuff?

Learning and memorizing lists are easier if you have some fun or introduce a rhyme, rhythm or tune.  The funnier and more tuneful the better.

7) I like the way you talk about learning "stuff" but in actuality, a lot of this "stuff" is important information. Have we gotten away from learning important knowledge?

If information is important we tend to remember it.  If educators rate something as important and kids don't, they won't bother.  The trick is to engage kids and make subjects interesting, dynamic and, dare I say, amusing, in which I hope my book succeeds.

8) Tell us about your book in general- what other memory devices do you discuss or review?

Mnemonics are memory aids.  They come in all shapes and sizes and use all five senses in a variety of ways: verbal, visual, a perfume or a tune can trigger a memory.

9) Judy, do you have a web site that tells more about the book?www.myspace.com/ibeforeebook

10)  What question have I neglected to ask?

There are two:

1. What is the history of mnemonics?  They were invented 500 years BC. Simonides of Ceos, a Greek poet, was booked to recite an after dinner poem to celebrate an Olympic wrestling victory.  Just when Simonides stepped outside for some air, disaster struck; the roof of the dining hall collapsed, killing everyone inside, mangling their bodies beyond recognition.  Simonides, didn't come to the rescue, but he identified all the victims because he could recall the exact seating plan.  This tragedy marks the birth of 'place mnemonics', hence the expression 'in the first place'.

2. What are my favorite mnemonics?  The ones I make up for myself.  They are funny, sometimes rude, personal – therefore I never forget them.

Published April 14, 2008