FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What is an example of a mnemonic device used in education?

1. Every Good Boy Deserves Fruit

2. Practice Makes Perfect

3. Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally

4. Learning is Fun

The correct answer is: Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally

A mnemonic device is a technique used to enhance memory retention by associating complex information with simpler, more memorable constructs. In this context, "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" is a widely used mnemonic device to help students remember the order of operations in mathematics: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right). This phrase serves a dual purpose: not only does it act as a memorable catchphrase, but it also provides a clear structure for recalling the specific steps required to solve mathematical equations. The quirky and relatable imagery of "Aunt Sally" helps students maintain the order of operations in their minds more easily during problem-solving. The other options, while motivational or informative in their own right, do not specifically serve as mnemonic devices with a clear acronymous or sequential function like the chosen answer does. Therefore, the selected example effectively illustrates how mnemonic devices operate in educational settings, particularly in reinforcing specific sequences or methodologies.