During my flight training, I sometimes had to change a technique I used to memorize content. This was usually because the technique did not work well while I was under pressure. Two examples include:
· I tried to memorize a forced landing procedure using an acronym mnemonic. When I was under pressure in the aircraft, I couldn’t remember where I was up to in the mnemonic. I changed techniques and instead used an acrostic mnemonic, “In planned trouble, make brief plans, short plans, approach and land.” Each word stood for a step of the procedure. I then repeated the procedure several times just sitting in a chair, timing each instance. Once in the aircraft I found it much easier to remember where I was up to in the phrase.
· I tried to memorize radio calls also using first-letter mnemonics. Trying to recall the mnemonic during call interfered with what I was saying. I found the mental journey technique much more effective in remembering each part of the radio call.
When you come to use a technique in the real environment, don’t worry if it doesn’t work well for you. There are multiple ways to learn and memorize content. They all have their strengths and weaknesses and these vary from person to person. If something doesn’t work well, try a different technique or approach.