Learning students' names
One thing that has helped me learn students name better in the past is to arrange the students in a circle and have them say their name clearly one by one. Next, I repeat their name before the next student says their own. When everyone in the circle is done stating their name, I repeat everyone's name (in order of the circle). Finally, I have each student in the circle try to repeat and name off everyone that follows them. Typically, it makes the environment lighter and everyone gets a chance to repeat (or guess everyone else's name. This works best for classes under 25, and takes about 15 minutes to get through.
Thanks for this suggestion Brady. I am going to use it for the coming semester. I have used the introductions but liked the idea of taking notes on each student so I can remember their names. What about using a "name-tent". We used those in ESL classes very successfully. It is a card or piece of paper with their name on it and sits on their desk. That way, everyone quickly associates a name with a face, etc.
I have students interview a partner from a series of pop culture questions (favorite movie, food, etc.) and then introduce their partner to the group. It's a quick way to get to know them as individuals. And the faster you get real information and get to know them the easier it is to remember their name.
I do the same thing, Gina. I write down something about that student and also make a map of where they sat that day. We all know that students typically sit in the same seats. Then I give myself tests throughout day 1 to see if I can get the names correct.
Hi Susan,
I like your strategy for learning students' names. This is a new one to me and I can see how it would be very effective. We remember things based upon association and the food connection is a good one.
Gary
I like this. I am going to try it next term.
I've always asked students to introduce themselves and tell a little about themselves (or do that in a small group with presentations to the larger group). I also ask each student to name a favorite food that starts with the first letter of their first name (my name is Sue and I like sandwiches). They cannot repeat a food that someone else has used so this can get a bit crazy. I have a seating chart in front of me and I note their name and food. Students are creatures of habit and they will sit in the same spot. The seating chart and their name/food help me make the association until I remember the names. Usually only takes 2 class periods.
I also use this method for learning the students names, it is very helpful.
Hi Heidi,
Great ice breaker, name developer. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Gary
I have some group-building background. I have them get in a big circle and introduce themselves. If it is a diverse group (with many different degree majors) I have them introduce their degrees and their future plans. If it is a group that is mainly one degree I have them tell one truth and one lie and have the rest of the group decide which is which. I then have them toss a ridiculous-looking frog around the circle as they say their name and they have to do it faster and faster each time. It usually results in lots of laughter.
Hi Katrina, that is a fun activity for smaller classes. I tried it once with a class of 30, and it got pretty lengthy. With larger classes, I will ask for some volunteers who will try to repeat everyone's name, and I will attempt it. With the larger classes, if I don't get it the first time, I will re-attempt it between each activity until I have them all. One problem I still have is women with names that start with A. Angela, Amanda, Amber...I am likely to get their names mixed up for a few weeks, so I have to make an extra effort with them.
Hi Luke,
I like it. You are having fun with a real need and that is learning student names quickly. The game part of it I am sure gets laughs plus after missing a student's name I am sure that you have in your memory by the next class meeting.
Gary
Hi Gina,
Good plan. Learning student names quickly is hard but essential to get the students settled into the course and feeling welcome. As instructors we need to do everything we can to get the names down from the very beginning and you are doing that with your system.
Gary
I make it a point every class to ask each student at least one question. This forces me to learn the students' names quickly. Also, it provides me a tool to help bring a student back into the class when I see their focus starting to waiver.
If I do not know all of their names by the second class, they usually get some kind of treat or bonus. For some reason, students love to see me fail!
I would first introduce myself and tell something about my background and hobbies, travel experience, etc. Then I would go around the room and have each student introduce herself/himself to the class and tell something interesting about herself/himself. As the student is talking, I would write some information about the student (the color or style of glasses, hair color, etc.). Then when we meet again I would have some notes about the student. I would also try to use their name as much as possible when addressing them.
Gina Larson
Hi Katrina,
Thanks for sharing this strategy for learning student names quickly. We have to work hard on this if we are getting to get the respect of our students from the very beginning of the course. They know you care enough to know them and their names so they become more invested in the course.
Gary
