As Dale Carnegie used to say, the sound of a person's name is the sweetest sound on earth to them. I used to pass out cardstock and have the students make name tents. This worked very well for me, learning the names very quickly. Then I found out how much the students didn't like it. Now, I use a seating chart.
I agree that it is important to quickly learn the names of your students and to address them in a professional manner.
Hi Marcia,
I use this same approach since I am dealing with people already in their fields and they need to be treated with respect for their life experiences.
Gary
I use first names due to teach evening classes that consist of non-tradional students, I feel this is appropriate.
Hi Jim,
You efforts at remembering student names also helps you with developing rapport with your students. They know you care about them and their success and this really helps to create a solid foundation of respect for you and your students.
Gary
I would agree with this. I teach larger classes and it is very hard to remember names. I'm not a big fan of seating charts. What I do in my classes is start out with an ice breaker where names are exchanged. That helps. Also I ask for leniency for the first number of weeks and I demonstrate that I am working on learning the names. Passing back assignments and quizzes help. I also give students the freedom to correct me when I am calling role. Most do, and by about week for I've got most if not all of the names.
Hi Amy,
You are right about how important knowing a student's name really is. For many of them coming to school to learn the skills of a new career is very hard and to know that someone knows their name and cares about their future is vital to them staying in school and completing their education.
Gary
I know I have worked very hard on this, each time I interact with the student especially the first week i try to call them by their name and also learn last names (it sure makes it eaiser when you are the one that calls their name a graduation). We need to remember a name is a very important thing to a person.
Hi Christine,
What a great way to show you care. Not only are you showing respect for them by working hard to learn their names you are having fun with it as well. They will forgive a mistake now and then because they will be looking for the treats. Adults are such kids at heart they like their games and their snacks.
Gary
I make it a point to try to learn as many names as possible the first class. Then next class, I'm calling by name, and asking if I forget. I usually make it game for the class too. If I forget two or more, then I will bring a treat to the next class.
YES I CONCUR...LEARN THEIR NAMES IN THE FIRST WEEK AND TRY TO AVOID FIRST NAMES. THIS BRINGS THE INSTRUCTOR DOWN TO THE BUDDY BUDDY LEVEL AND THE AUTHORITY AND RESPECT OF THE TEACHER GOES OUT THE WINDOW.
Hi Rita,
Exactly on learning student names. You are showing respect for the students by learning their names and paying attention to the exact name they prefer to go by. Good job.
Gary
Hi Stephanie,
Excellent point about knowing students' names. We often forget how important it is for students to know that their instructors know their names and something about them even though they have completed the course.
Gary
I have always found it difficult to remember names right away. It takes time for me and will vary depending on the size of the class and how difficult the names are to pronouce. I let students know on the first day that if I forget, it is not a reflection on them, but it is due to my old age. They should be patient with me and correct me when I get it wrong. I work hard at trying to find something unique to link the student with their name.
Remembering names is vital to my teaching. I even spend some time telling them that remembering a name is the greatest compliment one can give another person. I respectfully ask how they prefer to be addressed. i.e. if the name is Catherine, I listen closely to see how they address themselves, do they use Cathy or some variation of the name.
I always feel it's important from a customer service/or caring aspect if we try hard to learn the students' names quickly. I know how good it made me feel when my teachers would call me by my first name... even months after I'd had their class. I feel it helps keep them motivated and reminds them that they're not just another face in our classrooms.
If you meet the class 5 times/week and it is small, this might work. I don't think it is realistic for large classes, particularly if they only meet once or twice/week. I also think first names are fine. They are less formal and help to create a less intimidating atmosphere.
Hi Teresa,
This is an important point to remember. You don't want to be their buddy but yes, they should feel comfortable coming to see you. If they don't there is going to be a large gap between you and their success in many cases. As instructors we need to make sure they know they can approach us for help and support.
Gary
In general, I have to agree
I don't think I'm their buddy, but I do want them to be comfortable enough to ask for assistance if needed.
