Getting to know your students
I try to learn my students name by the first or second class meeting. When you call on a student by name, they have more of a connection with you and are more apt to open up to you on a personnel basis. I have had students come up to me and tell me that they can't read very well, now i know what kind of help to get them.
Juanito,
I think relational instruction is a much better way to connect with students than "procedural instruction", (where the teacher/facilitator is sort of like the master). Maybe the Socratic method describes this way of relating also. But I agree that anytime we can personalize interactions in whatever setting, that reinforces a stronger relationship, and therefore, hoped for better student outcomes.
Barry Westling
It is very important that you get to know your student as early as possible. Yes, getting to know all their names is a very good start but you have to go to the next level . I try to speak to them individually when ever I have a chance. Even if we do have scheduled student advising sessions to monitor our student progress, I do approach them individually just to check how they are doing. I always find time to talk to them one on one , whether to congratulate them on a good test result or just asking one who is very quiet and inattentive in class.
Thanks,
Dr.J. Malana
I really like what was said here. I have always prided myself on how fast I can learn my students names and even call them by name outside of the classroom. I found that it really lets the student know that you want to connect and are a real person. I always like to pick out something different with each student to discuss (non-personal) of course.
And I have to agree, I am always using something a student has told me in a lecture. The student immediately perks up and sometimes wants to add a little more into the conversation/lecture that is actually worth listening too!
Hi Michael:
There are many activities that can be used to support this idea.
One of the main ideas is helping the student to feel like they are accepted and safe in the class environment.
Regards, Barry
Hi Lauren:
Calling a student by name immediately personalizes the relationship. Also taking time before/after class to chat about things in a students personal life (not intimate, just non-school, such as family, hobbies, movies, favorite music, etc).
Casually mentioning something from one of these chats in a lecture (something that wouldn't embarrass a student) helps make the student feel a little recognized and also helps them remember the point being made.
Regards, Barry
Knowing your students by name gives them a sense of belonging. They have more faith and trust in you as an instructor.
I agree, they are more willing to ask for help if they feel like they know you.
Hi Rene:
Super! I think the sooner a teacher can learn the names of students and address them that way, we've leaped 10 steps closer to being able to connect with them. It's interesting, our names are really quite a personal thing, and when used, we have entered an area that, to a small degree, is kind of personal.
Besides names, visiting with students whenever there's an opportunity - break time, walking to or from class, discussing class or non-class material after class has dismissed - some of these kinds of things do tend to smooth out the separation between teacher and student.
I will sometimes say we need to be "friendly without being friends". And if students feel you care, they are going to be more responsive at other times, like when giving assignments or participating in class.
Regards, Barry
More than knowing them by name, I also try to know something about them, hometown, marital and/or parenting status, age, education level, etc. That way I can relate to them in a more personal level.
Laquita:
Ways to get to know your new students may include exercises where their names are repeated numerous times (like ice-breaqkers); visiting during breaks (rather than disappearing); and taking time to get to know each one by listening to their stories and non-class activities. This comes across as more natural and does show that the teacher cares about their students and their lives, and career success.
Regards, Barry
Choppy:
Personalizing your relationship by calling students by name will bring much closer to them trusting you, just by virtue of it is more personal. And when we disciuss things with students, addressing them makes for a serious way to connect with them, because it's persona, intimate of sorts.
Regards, Barry
knowing your students let them know you care and are interested in them personlly.
