Tips for remembering names
We had our first class meeting last week. One of my classes has 12 students. I'm horrible at remembering names. I had them write their names and some details on cards, and I noted on the backs of the cards physical characteristis, yet I'm certain I will only remember a handful of my student's names when we meet on Monday. Any suggestions for gracefully asking on name reminders and tips for retaining this information better in the future?
This is truly tough. It's especially tough if you're a new instructor and do not know names of prior students. It's funny because some students do expect that you will remember their names after the first day of class. I've also encountered some of my older students who were a little offended when I remembered their faces but not their name.(these are the students that had graduated and are no longer in the program)
I use this "humble" method as well and it works fine for me, I teach graduate courses.
Hi Christin,
Good strategy and one that the students can use as well. This provides growth for everyone while you are showing them a strategy they can use in their career after graduation.
Gary
I had a class of 15 this last quarter. I demonstrated one way to memorize facts. The first student told me their name. I repeated it. the next student did the same. I kept this up as we went around the room saying everyones name. The students were watching to see if I was going to forget anyone's name. It was to show how repetion helps in memorization.
My method of remembering student names is to write their names down on a seating chart as they call out their names. I write down their formal name and the name they like to be called. I do this for each class. Then for the first week, I bring out the seating chart while I am doing my role call. I find that the students tend to come in and pick their favorite seats and stick to the same seat throughout the semester.
Elizabeth,
I have used this strategy as well and it seems to help me and resonate with my students. They see the effort I am making to know their names and it shows that I am invested in their learning.
Hi Lynnette,
With the number of students most of us instructors have we need all of the visual and connecting cues we can get. Your use of the visual reminders along with the information that you have learned about each student gives you a great opportunity to get the names memorized in short order. The students I know really appreciate that.
Gary
Hi Manuela,
What a great ice breaker. This is fun and valuable. This way student names are known from the very beginning and as a result connections can be made between and among the students throughout the course.
Gary
Every time I make eye contact with a student I make sure I say their name. If I cannot remember it I ask them to tell me. I also use the name card tents in from of where they are seated. The required name badges are also helpful.
What about 28? ;-)
I play "packing a suitcase".
First student states name and introduces self briefly, including their major of study.
The second student repeats the first student's name and adds his or her own name and brief introduction.
The third student repeats the first and second students' names, adds his or her own and brief intro.
And so on.
It throws them off when I interrupt them about half way through and ask student number one to reapeat them to this point. It is also a fun icebreaker on the first day.
Further, I "play" that game the next couple of class meetings, where I try to list the names.
Hi Larry,
Good strategies for learning the students' names. I commend your efforts and know your students appreciate the fact that you are putting forth this effort. This really helps with the start of respect development between you and the students.
Gary
One of my classes regularly has 40 students; remembering names as soon as possible is a problem. I start learning names before the first day of class. As soon as I get the roster, I study it and begin the process. Then when I meet the students, I am ready to put a face to the name. As the class introduces itself I continually reinforce the names to myself. Asking students to sit in the same location the first couple of weeks also helps. People don't change their location much after that. For me, learning names is an ongoing process.
Great ideas. I have trouble remembering names and I teach at several different schools. These are great ideas I will use. I usually only remember the names of either good or bad students.
First is honesty. Letting students know up front that, even though we are a small group, I am bad with names and I want to remember everyone's names. Reassure them you know who they are and you never forget a face but you are working on names. Ask the to give you clues when you call on them to help you remember their names. It may even lend to a little tension break in the class from time to time.
Hi Elizabeth,
Great strategy. Thanks for sharing it with us. I know this strategy will be of help to other instructors.
Gary
Some of my classes are large I have trouble with students with the same name. For example if I have two "Roberts" and three "Richards", I have troble remebering if its a "Robert" or a "Richard" let aloneif it is Rob, a Bob or a Rich or a Richard.
I like the idea of taking pictures and putting a name to the picture. The grouping of students is also a good idea; long after the students are gone I can still have the picure with the names on to remember them. Great idea.
I try introductions and I ask them to tell me something personal, like why they chose that career path. That helps me to have a story to the name and helps me to remember a little more.
I say their names aloud...after 5 have introduced themselves, I repeat them. 5 more introduce themselves, I add those on. I used to not be good with names, but I've trained myself to be. I can learn 50-100 names in a day and remember them a week later. It really impresses students.
