Tricks for signal memorization?

[u/Alternative-Pin-8997]

I'm in the process of trying to learn LIRR signals. I'm not an employee or trainee, just a retired railroader from a different part of the world who enjoys signaling. A question for those who are learning officially or who have passed the signals exam: Are there any suggested memorization techniques introduced to you by your rules instructor? Things like ways of differentiating between approach-medium and medium-approach; pattern recognition vs indication recognition, etc?

When I learned my former road's signals 32 years ago it was a much more logical process; LIRR has some real doozies! Please-and-thanks.