Introduction

Modern education faces numerous challenges related to the need to adapt the learning process to new conditions, including information overload, decreased student attention spans, and heightened competition for attention in a digital environment. In this context, there is a growing demand for methods that not only improve the assimilation of educational material but also make the learning process more engaging and productive. One of the effective tools for addressing these challenges is mnemonic techniques. Their application not only facilitates the learning process but also enhances its efficiency by promoting long-term retention.

The integration of mnemonics with interactive learning (IL) methods and digital technologies has gained particular significance. The effective use of educational applications, platforms, and multimedia tools opens up new possibilities for the individualization of the learning process and for addressing the cognitive needs of each student. The objective of this research is to analyze visual and associative mnemonic methods in the context of IL.

Main part. Theoretical foundation of mnemonics

The set of techniques and methods aimed at simplifying the process of information retention through the creation of associations, visual images, and structured sequences is known as mnemonics. Associations help link new information to existing knowledge or images, making it easier to retrieve from memory. The effectiveness of associations is explained by their ability to activate visual and emotional memory, thereby making the memorization process deeper and more meaningful. Visual images play a significant role in memory, as visual information is remembered more effectively due to the brain’s ability to process visual stimuli more quickly and efficiently than textual information. The sequential presentation of information in the form of lists, steps, or narratives further facilitates its perception and retention in memory [1].

These elements, whether functioning individually or in combination with one another, make mnemonics a powerful tool for enhancing the learning process. They enable students not only to memorize information more quickly but also to retain it in long-term memory, easing its subsequent application in practical activities.

Interactive learning and mnemonics

The approach aimed at actively engaging students in the educational process through dialogue, collaboration, and the use of digital technologies and multimedia is referred to as IL. Unlike traditional methods, this format of learning is focused on creating an educational environment where the student is an active participant rather than a passive recipient. This approach effectively addresses the challenges of modern education, including increasing motivation, improving the assimilation of complex concepts, and developing analytical thinking skills.

One of the main advantages of interactive methods is their ability to adapt to the cognitive characteristics of students. Through various formats of interaction, such as simulations, games, and group projects, multiple channels of information perception—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—are engaged. This is especially important in environments where educational programs cater to a diverse range of students with varying learning styles [2].

Interactive methods stimulate deep processing of information. According to cognitive learning theories, active interaction with the material contributes to the formation of long-term memory and enhances the ability to recall information. For example, during discussions or role-playing activities, students are required to structure their knowledge, compare it with new concepts, and apply it in specific situations. This transforms learning from a mere memorization process into the active formation of analysis and synthesis skills.

Moreover, IL enhances student motivation. Elements such as play, competition, and the opportunity to independently choose an approach to tasks foster positive emotional engagement, which in turn improves memory and attention. Formats like gamification or virtual simulations allow learning to be connected to students’ internal motivations, creating a sense of immediate relevance to the material being studied. Interactive methods also promote the development of interpersonal skills. In group projects and collaborative assignments, students learn to exchange ideas, negotiate, assign roles, and take responsibility for completing parts of a shared task. These skills are particularly important in contemporary settings, where interdisciplinary and team-based approaches are increasingly valued in professional activities. Overall, IL combines the possibility of individualizing the educational process with the creation of conditions for collaborative activity. This makes IL a universal tool capable of enhancing the effectiveness of learning in both academic and professional environments.

The integration of mnemonic techniques into IL strengthens its benefits. Techniques such as visualization, associations, and repetition are seamlessly embedded into interactive educational formats, giving them a cognitive focus. The use of these techniques allows students not only to memorize information but also to organize, structure, and connect it with existing knowledge.

Incorporating mnemonics into IL creates conditions for forming deeper associative links between the material being studied and real-life situations. For example, role-playing games, simulations, and collaborative tasks increase students’ cognitive activity when mnemonic techniques are used to facilitate memorization of important elements of the script or the structure of the material. This combination not only reinforces memory but also fosters the development of analytical thinking skills, as students are required to establish meaningful connections and apply their knowledge in practice [3].

Such integration is particularly effective in teaching environments that demand a high degree of engagement and the management of large volumes of information. Digital platforms, multimedia applications, and interactive tasks complement mnemonic methods, transforming the learning process into an engaging journey, where each piece of information becomes part of a memorable experience. Thus, the integration of mnemonic techniques becomes a critical tool for achieving the objectives of modern education, where critical thinking, adaptability, and the ability to work efficiently with information play a central role.

The application of visual methods in IL

Visual mnemonic methods play a central role in IL due to their ability to effectively structure information, enhance cognitive activity, and improve memory processes. The combination of visualization and interactive educational technologies creates a learning environment in which students actively engage in the learning process, linking studied concepts with visual images and associations.

The use of visual mnemonic techniques, such as infographics, diagrams, and mind maps, provides a clear representation of the material, making complex concepts easier to understand and subsequently remember. These tools are adaptable to various formats of IL, such as group projects, simulations, and multimedia presentations (table 1).

Table 1

Application of visual mnemonic methods in IL [4, 5]

These methods prove particularly effective when their use is supported by interactive tools, such as multimedia applications or educational simulations, which enhance cognitive impact and increase student engagement with the material being studied.

Research in cognitive psychology confirms that students who use visualization techniques achieve better results compared to those who rely solely on textual information. For instance, the study «The role of visual interactive methods in improving performance in natural science disciplines», conducted in 2022 in the USA, examined the impact of visual methods on material comprehension. The experiment involved 150 students who were taught using different methods: visual tools, traditional lectures, and self-study. The results showed that students who employed visual methods performed 27% better in tests assessing their understanding and recall of the material. These methods facilitated a better understanding of interrelationships, enhanced engagement, and deeper exploration of complex concepts, particularly in STEM disciplines. The study confirmed the effectiveness of visualization as an important component of IL, improving not only memory retention but also students’ analytical skills [6]. Thus, the universality of visual learning methods as a powerful tool for enhancing cognitive outcomes and student motivation is emphasized. The inclusion of infographics, diagrams, and mind maps in IL contributes to both a deeper understanding of the material and the development of analytical and synthesizing skills.

Associative mnemonic methods in IL

Associative mnemonic methods are tools that facilitate the memorization process by creating links between new information and knowledge already possessed by the learner. These methods play a particularly important role in IL, as the active involvement of students in creating associations enhances their engagement, promotes meaningful understanding of the material, and improves long-term memory.

One of the most common techniques in associative mnemonics is the creation of associative chains. This method involves establishing sequential connections between pieces of information that need to be remembered. Associative chains allow students to integrate new information into their existing cognitive structure.

Other types of associative methods include the use of analogies and metaphors to explain complex concepts. For example, in physics, students might be asked to imagine electric current as the flow of water, which helps them better understand the principles of electrical circuits. Visual connections also play a significant role: creating vivid and unusual images for associations helps in memorizing large volumes of information. During IL, these images can be enhanced with multimedia elements, such as animations or videos, further intensifying the effect.

Interactive platforms that incorporate games or simulations often utilize associative techniques. For instance, students may create mental maps linking terms with images or specific actions (fig. 1).

Figure 1. Example of the association technique through mental maps

This approach not only makes learning more productive but also engaging, particularly for students with a visual learning style. The effectiveness of associative mnemonic methods is supported by empirical research, demonstrating their positive impact on learning outcomes. One study, «The impact of concept mapping on student achievement in IL environments», examined the effect of using concept maps — an associative method — on student performance in interactive educational environments. Students from various universities in the USA were divided into two groups: the experimental group using concept maps and the control group learning through traditional methods. The results showed that students in the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in understanding and memorizing the study material compared to the control group. This indicates that associative methods, such as concept maps, effectively enhance the quality of information retention in IL environments [7].

Another example is a study conducted on the application of IL methods in educational institutions in Kyrgyzstan. The authors explored the impact of using visual and associative methods on students’ learning outcomes. The results revealed that the implementation of these methods contributed to improved understanding and memory retention, as well as increased student motivation to learn [8].

Thus, associative mnemonic methods integrated into IL not only enhance the memorization process but also foster deeper understanding of the material. The creation of chains, the use of metaphors, and visual connections enable students to link the studied information with their personal experiences and interests, making learning more meaningful.

Conclusion

The process of IL based on mnemonics represents an innovative approach that combines the cognitive advantages of mnemonic techniques with active student engagement in the learning process. The use of visual and associative methods, such as mind maps, infographics, and the creation of associative chains, facilitates the comprehension of complex concepts, making the material more accessible for perception. These techniques not only improve long-term memory retention but also contribute to structuring the information, which is particularly crucial in the context of information overload. Interactive formats, including simulations, games, and collaborative projects, enhance the effectiveness of mnemonics, enabling students to apply acquired knowledge in practical contexts.

Empirical studies confirm the high efficacy of this approach across various educational systems. Examples from the USA and Kyrgyzstan show that the combination of interactive methods and mnemonic techniques leads to improved academic performance, better understanding of the material, and increased student engagement. The integration of mnemonics into IL addresses the challenges of modern education, creating conditions for the personalization of learning and the development of critical thinking skills. This approach not only enhances the quality of education but also prepares students for successful adaptation in a world that demands flexibility and the ability to manage large volumes of information.