The Peg Method
The best-known (and most easy to use) of the Peg memory systems is the rhyming peg method, in which numbers from one to ten are associated with rhymes: one-bun, two-shoe, and so on. This system was introduced in England sometime around 1879 by John Sambrook. The system is easy to use, and many people already know many of the standard rhymes from the nursery rhyme "one, two, buckle my shoe." In order to use the system, you must memorize the words that rhyme with numbers one through ten (most peg systems don't include a peg word for zero, but you can make one up yourself if it is needed).
Similar to the Loci Method, the Peg Method requires a certain amount of visualization. However, the Peg Method differs from many others in that it works best for memorizing information that must be recalled in a certain order.
To use the Peg Method, you must connect each object of a list that you are trying to memorize to the word of each rhyming peg. For example, if your to-do list for the day consists of 1) washing the car, 2) dusting the house, and 3) packing a suitcase, then you would first visualize a giant bun on top of your car as you try to wash it away. Next, you would imagine dusting off a single shoe with your personal dust wand. After dusting off your shoe, you would picture yourself packing a small tree into a suitcase.
While the Peg Method is a bit more time consuming than other methods, it can be very effective once you have memorized the rhyming pegs or mnemonics for memorization.
To use the Peg Method, you must connect each object of a list that you are trying to memorize to the word of each rhyming peg. For example, if your to-do list for the day consists of 1) washing the car, 2) dusting the house, and 3) packing a suitcase, then you would first visualize a giant bun on top of your car as you try to wash it away. Next, you would imagine dusting off a single shoe with your personal dust wand. After dusting off your shoe, you would picture yourself packing a small tree into a suitcase.
While the Peg Method is a bit more time consuming than other methods, it can be very effective once you have memorized the rhyming pegs or mnemonics for memorization.
Academic Applications of the Peg Method
The Peg Method, like the Loci Method, is excellent for memorizing to-do lists or grocery lists, if you have the patience to first get the mnemonics down. However, when applied to academics, the Peg Method is a little bit more difficult to use successfully. The Peg Method is truly best for memorizing protocols, or lists of instruction that must be remembered in a certain order, such as science lab protocols, rules for class, or even the steps needed to go through a certain math problem.
For example, if your chemistry teacher requires you to remember how to do lab write-ups using the following steps (1. list of materials, 2. safety hazards, 3. procedure, and 4. data/observations) , then associate each instruction with a rhyming peg.
This method is best for AURAL AND VERBAL LEARNERS.
The best uses of the Peg Method include:
For example, if your chemistry teacher requires you to remember how to do lab write-ups using the following steps (1. list of materials, 2. safety hazards, 3. procedure, and 4. data/observations) , then associate each instruction with a rhyming peg.
This method is best for AURAL AND VERBAL LEARNERS.
The best uses of the Peg Method include:
- memorization of a certain method for completing a math problem
- memorization of protocol or instructions
- memorization of a list of rules