Get Your Students Hired
I think this is very important to get done within the first week. I also think it is imnportant to stay with the Mr & Mrs what ever their last name is. I think that using first names gives the students a sense of,"buddies" with the instructor and sometimes that will lead to unprofessionalism.
Hi John,
Way to go in making the name recall process a fun activity for both the students and yourself. Having them share a laugh or two with you as you work on the names helps them to get settled into the course.
As for which name to use I am like you in that I use the same method as does my field. For us it is generally first names so that is what I use. Be being sensitive to such issues you can show the students how they should "read" such situations and follow what is common practice for that setting.
Gary
I agree that it's important to remember names and I have a hard time doing it. To make it easier I tell my students right up front that I have trouble with names then make a game and joke about remembering them. I tell them that I have to repeat their names a number of times to get if firm in my mind, then I make a game of seeing how many times I can use their names in the first hour of class. The students laugh a lot and enjoy the game and I get to really learn their names.
As for calling them by first names, I think it depends on what business you came out of. I have always used first names with my clients, all the way up to CEOs of Fortune 100 companies, so to me using the Mr or Mrs things sounds stilted and formal. I don't want to be my students' buddy, but I do want to build authentic connections with them, and feeling, and sounding stilted doesn't leave much room for connnection.
I remember their names by writing them on a seating chart. That is the only way I can do it.
I try to remember my new students names in the first week of class. Alot times I will use word association to remember them. But, I think it is important to remember them as soon as you can. I feel it lets the student know that you care about them as a individual and lets the student relax and not be as uptight their first couple weeks of class.
I like your idea of using digital pictures to help you remember names. I had not thought of doing that in the classroom.
Hi Gary,
That is my weakness also. I find that repetition and name association helps me to remember names.I also try to write their name down as I envision their face to draw a correlation. That list is especially important to carry with me in the first couple of days to fall back on when I do forget.
Carlos
I agree it is a good thing to remember names, makes the student feel special, so make a little private saying for your self to help you acheive this.
Hi David,
This is a very good memory technique because it helps you to build a connection between the student and yourself. With the turn over you have with students every three weeks using these types of devices you will be able to retain the names very quickly.
Gary
Our classes are three weeks. I try and get the names down in the first two to three days. Every time a new class starts, I fear that I will not learn the names at all.
When I hand back the first assignment, I have each one come up to me and we talk about the assignment together. That way, I get to see their face and look and the name on the assignment to lock in the recognition of their name.
Hi James,
I have found that if I take a picture of each student the first night and then put the pictures into a file with their names and a significant fact under each name this really triggers my memory as I prepare to meet the class the next week. By the third week I have the names down. Before each class I review the folder and remember where the student was sitting the last time. I also use name tents. Each student folds a 5x7 card in half and puts his or her name on it in large colorful letters. I spread out the name tents all over my desk and as each student picks up his or her name tent I focus on the name and the face and follow them to their seats. I also chat with them for a few seconds to create a connection between them and myself. Combined all of these things help to build rapport with the students and I have their names memorized.
Gary
I agree that remembering names is important but this is the hardest part of my job. I teach night class so I only see my students 10 or 12 times a quarter. Do anyone have some suggestions that I can use to help me remember their names faster?
Hi Cassie,
I teach classes like yours. Large numbers and once a week. I use a similar system like yours. In addition I take pictures of my students and load their pictures into a folder where I can review it before class. Doesn't take very long with these reminders before I have all of the names down.
Gary
I have a hard time remembering names of students especially when I only see them once a week and I sometimes have large classes. What I found that worked best for me last quarter was when the students introduced themselves to the class I made notes on the attendance sheet of where they were sitting and also if they resembled someone I already knew. That way when I was not in the classroom I could study the sheet and at least have a good idea of who the student was the next week.
Hi Hanna,
I think you will like the photo method. It really helps me in my larger classes to get the names down much quicker.
Gary
I use a seating chart to try to remember the names but I like the photo idea. I think I'll try it the next class.
I agree that the use of first names is not necessarily unprofessional. I do, however, draw the line at using nick names different than shortened contractions of the student's proper name.
I believe younger generations do prefer their first names to their last. I ask students to tell me which name they prefer. As long as it's not an inappropriate nick name.
Hi Kathy,
Remembering names is hard for many people. Instructors have an even harder time since they turn over students so often. Two things you might want to do. One, for larger classes take a picture of each student and then put it in a folder. Under the picture put the student's name and a memory fact about that student. Just before class you can review the pictures and facts before facing the students. Another strategy is to have the folder in your hand as the class is in discussion or Q
&A so you can glance at the folder and the student. Drawing an association with the student and name. Holding a folder is not distracting so it won't interfere with your instruction.
Gary
Definitely need to know those names soon. I do the introductions and try to take notes, but I think that "looks" bad to the students. then I try to remember one thing about them. That's hard. I'm trying the seating chart thing, but then they change seats. Totally frustrating. Luckily for me, I remember the men's names, because there are usually only 3-5 in a class. But any other ideas, I'd welcome.