Learn your students' names
I feel it is important to learn your students names as quickly as possible. It might not always be easy, but our students feel valued and that we care enough to make them more than just another name or number.
Hi Latoya,
Good point and one that we need to constantly keep in our minds and make a goal to do as we start a new class. Knowing student names really helps to get students feeling comfortable with both you and the class.
Gary
I agree that it is important to learn students names very quickly because it does let them know we care and I feel that it also gives them a sense of belonging/comfort in the classroom.
I agree completely, although it can be a very difficult task sometimes.
I agree, I also make it a point to remember names of my students and I use them not only in class, but, whenever I see them in the commons area of the school or passing them in the hall. I kind of make it a game for myself to see if I can do it.
Hi Phillip,
Excellent point about how learning students' names is in creating a comfortable and supportive class environment.
Gary
I am usually pretty good at this, and am able to associate a face with a name within the first couple of class meetings. This is a skill that I worked to develop, however, because I believe in one simple strategy --- there is no sweeter sound to the ear of the average person (student) than the sound of his or her own name. That philosophy takes you a long way in developing rapport.
When the students introduce themselves on the first day of class, I ask for their name and what they prefer to be called. This helps me to jot down a nickname or even a physical feature about them to help me remember. I also give myself until the end of the week to remember their names and at the end of the week, I recite their names when taking attendance.
This sounds like a great idea! I often times find it difficult to retain names of my students until they begin class projects that i can link them in my memory to. Understanding the importance to knowing the names of my students, i truly want to do whatever i can to make it easier to get to know my class.
I make it a point to learn the names of my students as quickly as possible. It not only helps them feel welcome, it also speeds thing up for me if I'm not calling 'you, no, not you. The other you.' all the time.
Hi Scott,
Thanks for sharing this name game strategy. I am sure it is a lot of fun plus gives you the chance to get all the names down while the game is being played. This idea will work for many other instructors as well.
Gary
Hi Melanie,
I want to commend you on your using student names in other settings. I have had students comment many times about how a certain instructor was able to call them by name and chat with them about their lives in a setting outside of the classroom. It reflects a caring idea by the instructor.
Gary
I teach culinary arts. A game I play to learn there names involves food and helping others to learn their fellow class mates names. Each student tells their first name and a food they like starting with the letter of their firts name. Every student after the first student say there name and food and the name and food of those before them in order. So by the end I have heard the names of the people several times. it becomes kinda comical most of the time. it's fun and a good ice breaker.
I feel that it's important to know all of your students names. It makes them feel that you care about them and that there not "just another student".
I agree I think it important to learn the students name, I not only make it a point to do so, but I also make it a point to call them by name when I approach them on campus. I know that I appreciate it when someone calls me by my name, it just makes you feel better knowing that they at least make the effort.
Hi Debra,
This is so true. Learning students names shows that you are interested in your students and aware of their needs in the classroom. Once identified, I believe students feel more connected and also accountable in the learning environment. If students believe no one cares, they are prone to skipping class or missing assignments.
