Max Learning's Digital Dozen: BrainAids

BrainAids
	It was a mouthful to say mnemonic (nee-MAWN-ik) device, so I coined the word BrainAid^TM for the memory hints I've devised to help you learn. BrainAids are make-believe. Although not real, they should help you remember what is. Feel free to make up your own BrainAids. Most fall into one of the following "A" categories:

Analogy = Comparison How to say it: uh-NOWL-uh-jee What it is: A comparison of what you are trying to learn to what you already know. Why it works: To learn something new, growing brain fibers must push their way through dense brain tissue, which can be very tiring. An analogy lets you piggyback new knowledge on top of existing brain fibers which is quicker and takes much less effort. Analogy Example: Just as physical exercise builds new muscle fibers, mental exercise builds new brain fibers. Both take time, effort, and repetition.
Acronym = Name How to say it: AK-roh-nim What it is: A name made from the first letters of several words. Hint: think nym = name. Why it works: The letters of an acronym act like hooks on which you can hang full words. You memorize a little to remember a lot. Acronym Example: To maximize your learning, be in a learning frame of mind: Relaxed, Uncluttered, Focused, and Flowing. In other words, be RUFF.
Acrostic = Story How to say it: uh-KRAW-stik What it is: A story made from the first letters of several words. Hint: think stic = story. Why it works: Sometimes a "story" is easier to remember than an acronym, especially if the acronym is hard to pronounce. Acrostic Example: To help you remember the names of three new acquaintances, start with the acronym for their names (MTF = Mary, Tom, Fred) and make it an acrostic like "My Three Friends."