THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MNEMONIC DEVICES IN LEARNING NEW VOCABULARY REEVALUATING STANDARDIZED TESTING

this study critically examines the effectiveness of mnemonic strategies in vocabulary acquisition and evaluates their relevance within standardized testing environments. Mnemonic devices such as the keyword method, method of loci, and pegword system offer cognitive benefits that support long-term retention and semantic processing. However, standardized tests often emphasize rapid recall and decontextualized vocabulary usage, creating a potential mismatch between teaching strategies and assessment methods. This article, based on a mixed-methods research design, evaluates the implementation of mnemonic techniques among language learners at Tashkent State Pedagogical University and discusses their impact on vocabulary retention and test performance. Results indicate that while mnemonics significantly enhance memory and engagement, their effectiveness is underrepresented in standardized testing due to rigid formats. The study recommends integrating mnemonic strategies into curricula alongside calls for reform in assessment systems to reflect deeper cognitive learning.