When I ask students to memorize facts by rote - and I do, from time to time - I try to make it as easy for them as possible. I have a series of what I call, "Stupid Memory Tricks". I've learned that the stupider a trick is, the more it makes you roll your eyes and mutter, "Seriously????", the more mind-numbingly moronic it is, the more likely it is to stick in your brain.
When trying to remember which state is which on a blank U.S. map, I tell my students to imagine Montana and Wyoming as brothers who don't get along very well, sharing a bunk bed. I use my most annoying, piercing, nasal voice and whine, "WHYYYYYY??? WHYYYYYY???? Why does Monty get the TOP BUNK??? WHYYYYY??!!!"
IntroduceAndVote from John Fladd on Vimeo.