Pegword Mnemonics for Multiplication

Summary of Grünke et al. (2025)

 Background & Existing Knowledge

Students with math difficulties often struggle with multiplication fluency. Mnemonic strategies like the pegword method may provide effective interventions.

New Insights from This Study

✔ Pegword mnemonics improve multiplication fact fluency.
✔ Students showed increased accuracy and recall speed.
✔ Mnemonic strategies are well-received by struggling learners.

Practical Applications: How Educators Can Use This Research

1.     Interdisciplinary Lesson Planning
📌 Use pegword mnemonics to reinforce multiplication skills.
📌 Combine visual and auditory cues for better retention.
📌 Adapt mnemonic strategies to different mathematical concepts.

2.     Creating Inclusive Classrooms
📌 Support struggling learners with targeted mnemonic interventions.
📌 Encourage collaborative learning through mnemonic-based games.
📌 Use pegword mnemonics for diverse learning needs.

3.     Developing Psychomotor Skills
📌 Integrate movement-based memory activities.
📌 Use interactive flashcards with pegword associations.
📌 Reinforce multiplication through rhythmic chanting.

Conclusion

Pegword mnemonics provide an effective method for improving multiplication fluency in students with math difficulties.

*The pegword method is a mnemonic device that helps you remember lists by associating items to be remembered with words that rhyme with numbers.

Reference
Grünke, M., Braunwarth, I., Connelly, V., & Barwasser, A. (2025). The Effects of the Pegword Method on the Multiplication Skills of Students with Math Difficulties. Education & Treatment of Children. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43494-024-00146-9  

Suggested Citation
Ross, E. M., & Malar, D. B. J. (2025). Pegword Mnemonics for Multiplication. Excellent Educator, 2(6), 6.