Student names
I have found one of the easiest ways to learn student names is to let them call roll on a daily basis. It helps them relax and get to know their classmates.
This method works well for me. Depending on the size of the class, for the first two days, each student in the class and instructor, says the name of each person in the class. These two days do a good job of imprinting names.
I like the idea of having the students calling out their own name...especially when a name is difficult to pronounce or is spelled one way and pronounced totally opposite of how you would expect it to be pronounced.
what i do when i get new students is i have them introduce themselves on the first day, and then get them to say something about themselves, whether it will be a hobby or what they like about themselves, something positive
Hi Robert,
I commend you for taking the effort to find a method that will enable you to acquire the names of your students quickly. This sends a real clear message that you care about them as individuals which in turn will help with their motivation and engagement.
Gary
I've had problems in the past remembering faces with names, especially if I'm not their instructor for the initial modules. Lately, I have taken the school photo ID's and studied their picture with their name - kind of an association game. It's working now!
Hi Justin,
I can relate to your situation concerning remembering names in critical situations. Still happens to me on occasion but I work really hard to remember the names so I don't have to fumble around trying to come up with a name with the accompanied by the long awkward pause.
Gary
Thanks for the kind words Gary. I am a stickler for names, because unfortunately, I have been in that most awkward position of NOT remembering patients name.
Hi Justin,
Great strategy for remembering names. You are right on about the importance of remembering names. This effort will reward you many times over when you can recall a name later on. This really establishes rapport with people.
Gary
I have found in business that this is very important. You NEED to learn peoples names. If not it can haunt you later at a dinner party, or if you bump into people on the street. I have tried a tecnique where you pick a characteristic from the person, and attach their name to it. Like "Funny Joe", or "Big John". It doesn't matter what it is, as long as you remember. The people may erk you, make you laugh, bother you, maybe they are really intelligent, something, just attach that to their names. It works for me.
It's been said that a person's favorite topic of conversation is themselves. In that light, we all like to hear a person address us by name, making us feel like we are important in that setting.
When you give examples or demonstrations, do you choose a student(s), to address? I find it helps to go thru the live roster, or classroom, and try to address each student personally, in one form or another. Granted, this is difficult to do in a very large class, but you can make a note of who you have addressed and do the other ones later, or in another class session.
Hi Beatrice,
It really does. By remembering their names you are showing your respect for them and their success in your class.
Gary
I think that remembering student names make them feel special and create a better student learning environment.
