Get Your Students Hired
I suppose my observation is primarily about creating a professional image in the classroom, but it also seems to affect teacher/student rapport and the nature of the teacher/student relationship.
Over the years, I've found that individual instructors tend to have very strong preferences about whether or not they would allow students to address them by first name. Some instructors only allow students to address them by their professional title (e.g., Dr. So-and-so) or standard formal address (e.g., Mr. or Mrs. So-and-so).
My last name can be difficult to pronounce for some students, so on the first day of class I tell them that they may address me by my first name (though only a few of them ever do) or by some other combination address, like using Mr. before my first name (which some do). Many of my students will make an effort to learn and use the correct pronunciation of my last name. I tell them that I am okay with any of these forms of address and they should choose the one they are most comfortable with. I also add, with some humor, that any of these is better than just saying, "Hey."
When I go through the class roll on the first day, I also ask students how they would like to be addressed -- by first name, last name, nickname, or some abbreviated form of their first name (e.g., Rich instead of Richard). Most of them are fine with first names, though some older students prefer that I use their last names.
I suppose what I'm getting at here is the idea that names are SO important. But maybe the formality/informality of the address is less important than recognizing the unique individual attached to that name. I always know every name of every student before the first day of class is over and I address each one of them by that name, which sometimes elicits some nervous laughter from the students ("We won't be able to hide or escape from being called on in this class!") or even some applause from them ("I can't believe he already knows us!").
We all want to be recognized. And so much of our identity and self-image is attached to our name (just read Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake). Whether you're a student or an instructor, I think you just want some confirmation of that identity in the classroom.
As always, I'm curious to hear from other instructors on this issue.
Edward,
You make two very good points about how an instructor can impact the future of students. By showing the students how the field really is and then staying current with what they best practices are then the students are going to be well prepared and competitive when they graduate.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe one must be in line with business practice and culture in the industry the course is addressing. My industry is graphic design, advertising and marketing and it has been a first name business since I entered it in 1969. To project a different persona in the classroom than what students will find in "real life" is in my experience not advised. I also think that "professional schools" that are out of step with the business culture they are sending students into, will in time have a negative impact on that collage's relevance within the industry.
I believe one must be in line with business practice and culture in the industry the course is addressing. My industry is graphic design, advertising and marketing and it has been a first name business since I entered it in 1969. To project a different persona in the classroom than what students will find in "real life" is in my experience not advised. I also think that "professional schools" that are out of step with the business culture they are sending students into, will in time have a negative impact on that collage's relevance within the industry.
I have had a lot of success doing this in my business as well. I have have also enjoyed people who come into my home and show respect by the same methods.
Guy,
Mutual respect is a power tool for student engagement. You are helping your students see that you value them and their success. Knowing their names quickly and using them often really helps with the development of respect and rapport.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
First day of class I take make a seating chart. I call the students by their first names. If they ask me a question I respond with Yes Sir/Ma'am. I find this shows my respect as well as remembering their names.
Katie,
The key for how you are to be addressed by students depends on your level of comfort and if you have the respect of your students. It sounds like you do so keep with what is working for you.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
On the first day of class, I have each student fill out a note card, telling me their legal name, the name they would like to be called, their major, and something unique about them. By doing this, I have found a way to associate their unique factor with their chosen name. The courses I teach are rather informal, and as I was going through a divorce when I began teaching and was not certain what my last name would be, I elected to have my students call me by my first name. It seems to be working so far. The students seem to be more comfortable when I use my first name rather than my last name.
April,
Thank you for sharing this example of how something like addressing their instructor can make a difference in class management. This has been my experience as well so it is easier to set the standards, in the case name and then help the students move toward those standards.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I too have found that the way professors address their students and how the students address the professors makes a big difference in the classroom. I always introduce myself as Ms. McDonald, but tell them they can call me April if they are more comfortable. I find that as long as the class sees me as an authority figure they always call me Ms. McDonald, but the moment I start letting the class get away from me it's April.
Due to this observation I have revised how I start class to "you can call me Ms. McDonald" I feel it keeps things on the professional level needed for the classroom.
Pierre,
Well said and dead on in terms of the importance of being recognized as a human being attached to a name. Our name is the ID to who we are and what we bring to a setting where we interact with others. Thank you for expressing it so well.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers