A KAWA on mnemonics

WHY IS A DONKEY BRIDGE CALLED A DONKEY BRIDGE?

In the past, donkey bridges were built to help donkeys cross small bodies of water with dry hooves. This is because they are quite clever, or at least suspicious. Grey horses are very reluctant to walk through water, as they cannot tell how deep the water is from the surface. In the field of "learning," this term came about because this aid helps one to remember things that are noteworthy. In my search for suitable and cool learning methods, I first collected many of these mnemonics (see also here), but then it seemed wiser to become independent of finding existing mnemonics. By using mnemonic techniques, we create our own mnemonics. You can find more tips for mnemonics >>here<< Now also available as a package in color, with a black and white template and an empty template for self-design.  

What does KAWA actually mean?

KAWA, according to Vera F. Birkenbihl, is an acronym and stands for: Kreative Ausbeute von Wort-Assoziationen (Creative Exploitation of Word Associations). But KAWA is easier to remember. KAWAs can be made on all topics that interest you.

How about your own KAWA and why does this technique work?

First, write the topic in large letters in the middle. By the way, I always use the sheet horizontally for this and draw the letters so that they can be colored later. In our Mindmap template ring binder, KAWAs are drawn on the white left page. Now let your thoughts wander and consider what comes to mind about the term and what would be important enough to be written down. The rule of the game is: what is written down must begin with one of the letters in the middle. The smaller the term, the fewer letters you have available, and the more you have to think. The lack of letters ensures that you have to think more intensively about a topic. By the way, it is not mandatory to use every letter. And: there is no right or wrong with KAWA. An example: Suppose you want to create a KAWA about your best friend Eva, then you only have the three letters available. However, you can use them multiple times. Perhaps E stands for elegant, successful, eloquent, for V you find her trustworthy, crazy and in love, and for A you have associated silly and single. If your best friend had been named Hannelore, you would, of course, have had more letters available.

KAWA becomes KAGA

If you also clothe the whole thing in many pictures, your KAWA becomes a KAGA, and the G then stands for Graphic Design. I myself often write in KAWA form in meetings. This keeps me alert, no matter how unimportant or boring a meeting is. And I catch everything. Here is an example on the topic: Have fun Jens Voigt