How much time to learn students' names?
My class is only 16 hours long! It is divided into 4 four hour classes. I don't feel as if I always have enough time to learn 25-30 names. But I agree with the importance of the concept. Any easy suggestions? Thanks.
Mo,
Thank you for this suggestion on how to better remember names. Remembering names is a challenge for most instructors so the more strategies we have the better.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Repetition has been a big help for me remembering names as well. I also find when we do the introduction the first day of class and we go around introducing ourselves. I always try to associate their name with a part of there introduction that stands out to me. Helps me recall their name when I see them again.
Hi John,
I have a hard time remembering people's names anyway, so this has always been a challenge for me in the classroom. In a face-to-face class, I ask students to create a name plate and put it on their desks for the first couple of weeks. When they speak in the class, I ask them to say their name, "Hi,I'm John. I wanted to ask about...." Then, I repeat their name, "John, that's a good question. Perhaps, John, if I explain the concept with another example..." After a while, they can stop stating their names while addressing the class.
Hi Donald,
Good method in learning student names. You are right to keep you methods to yourself. You don't have share all your learning strategies with your students and learning their names is one of them.
Gary
I learn some of the student's names by associating their name with some characteristic or trait I see in them, either physical or behavioral. Of course I do not tell anybody what these associations are. They are my personal nmemonics.
I like this Idea. I too have a 3 week class but no seating as it is a practical situation so they are always moving around. I think I will try this. Do they actually learn the kitchen?
Wow, I thought 3 weeks was fast. I seat my students in alphabetical order and inform them that they have three days to get to know the kitchen and by the end of the three days I will know everyones name. They take it as a challange and it works.
Hi Adrienne,
Good suggestion. I use this with my classes and it works very well because it gives me a connection between the person, the name and where they are sitting. By the next class I have their names memorized.
Gary
Maybe you could have the students create name tents for the first day.
Hi Amie,
Thanks for sharing this strategy. Every strategy that can be shared gives instructors another tool they can use in their professional development.
Gary
I have mastered my students names (all of them) on our second meeting. I grouped them ( it's their permanent grouping for the entire term) and I memorized their names as they completed their group activities. I am not that young to remember all of them but it helps to use some strategy as such to do so.
I would go with name tents. And be sure to call on everyone by their name every time. Don't just say "Hello". Say "Hello, Mike". It helps.
Hi Jenean,
Good luck!!!!! I am excited for you and your new adventure. I have been an educator for over 30 years and I still excited about having the opportunity to impact lives and share knowledge. You are going to have a wonderful time as you share your life experiences and help student progress toward their career goals.
Let me know how your first few days go.
Gary
During the introductions when students are introducing themselves to you and the rest of the class, you can take notes about what they say about themselves to help you remember their names. Say for instance they mention they have a dog or cat or pet rat. Also physical characteristics (EX: Rebecca is the only redhead in the class). I like the picture idea too....I think I will try both. My first day is Monday. Wish me luck!
Hi Jeremy,
What have you found to be a good way for you to remember student names? Have the students made any suggestions for helping you remember names better?
Gary
I tell my students that I'm bad with names and do my best.
Hi John,
Teaching a computer class, I was having students create name tags and place them on their computers on the first day. Then I would ask them to bring them back the next day. Usually by the end of the second day, associating their name and face at all time, it worked. Maybe, you can prepare name tags for the first day
There is a lot of discussion in the courses I teach so I have the students introduce themselves when they speak. After a couple of times of participating all the students and I know everyone's name
Hi Denise,
You mention a number of good points about how to remember student names. I use the method that you shared as well in terms of handing back assignments personally. I have the students do a number of activities at the beginning of the class and I review the papers they hand in and then walk to each desk and give it back. This really helps to create a connection between the student, the project and my memory of their name.
Gary
