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The Twelve Cranial Nerves of Christmas Word Version Final.pdf (159.75 kB)

The twelve cranial nerves of Christmas: mnemonics, rhyme, and anatomy - seeing the lighter side

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posted on 2023-06-09, 16:14 authored by Claire SmithClaire Smith, Scott Border
Anatomy, has in history, been linked to helpful ways to remember structures, branches of nerves, structures passing through foramina et cetera. Scalp is even a mnemonic in itself (Skin, Connective tissue, Aponeurosis, Loose areolar tissue, Pericranium). There has been concern by some educators that using mnemonics or rhymes promotes a surface approach to learning and is unhelpful in establishing long term and meaningful deep learning. This article argues that mnemonics and rhyme can be used, in the appropriate way, at the right time, by students as an important learning strategy. That strategy can help lay a foundation of knowledge to be developed and later built upon, or simply recall information more easily. Mnemonics, like all information that is to be recalled, is consolidated by rehearsal. In examining the neuroanatomy of learning theories, it is therefore possible to suggest that when students begin to learn an area of anatomy, such as the cranial nerves, using a mnemonic or rhyme can help students remember the names and facilitate engagement of working memory processes assisting the student to build a construct for subsequent deeper layers of knowledge. Modern approaches to anatomy education involve a myriad of learning opportunities, but educators must assess the value of each one before recommending them to students. It appears that using mnemonics and rhyme is as valid today as it has been for centuries.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Accepted version

Journal

Anatomical Sciences Education

ISSN

1935-9772

Publisher

Wiley

Department affiliated with

  • BSMS Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2018-12-13

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2019-12-11

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2018-12-12

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