the best way to learn student names is to tackle the names in parts 5 names at a tiime and relate them to names or words that are familiar. Also repetition of those name not only helps memorize the student but also helps with their participation / interaction with the topic.
Hi Linda,
We all need to feel a sense of acceptance. If an instructor quickly learns the names of all students a real positive tone is set for the class. Everyone likes to feel recognized for who they are, and their name is the way this is done. By learning the names the instructor sends the message that I respect you for who you are and I want to get to know you as quick as possible.
There are many ways/games/approaches one can use to learn the names. Any method one uses is ok if it will allows the instructor to have fun with the students and help to get to know the students better.
Gary
I really find learning the students name as quickly as possible shows the students you too do your homework and are there to support them. I find it challenging, and even play a game where I go around the classroom the last day of the first week naming the students...and if i miss one they "bail me out" I do this procedure until I have mastered it. It actually only takes 1-2 attempts. Using a seating chart/roll sheet to help memorize helps.
Hi Michelle,
What a sad situation. One of the easiest and greatest things an instructor can do is to memorize the names of his/her students. Many people say they are not good with names, but in the educational world this excuse simply will not work. We have no choice, easy or not. Educators have to have the names of their students down within the first couple of class meetings, the reason being rapport. If the students think that instructors don't care then the students don't care either.
There are a number of ways instructors can quickly memorize the names of their students. Using a digital camera and taking students' pictures then putting them on their computer is a very easy and quick way of doing it.
I have found that though the introductory icebreakers I can find something about each student as they introduce themselves that enables me to remember their name. Also, I get to class early and visit with each student a few minutes as they come in. This really helps to reinforce my remembering their name as I am associating their name and face with the conversation I have had with them. As I teach large classes (45-60) I have to watch my time, but I can still spend a few seconds with each student and help nail down their name in my mind.
This instructor really needs some help from a fellow instructor or supervisor. Can you think of some ways in which this individual might be approached so she can regain confidence back from her students?
Gary
