Student Names
My biggest challenge is remembering student names. It's really important, and when I have, for example, three "Bills" in the class, I get confused ... Visual, not verbal is my strongest learning style.
Hi Dennis,
Humans are creatures of habit aren't they? Once they sit in a place for a couple of class sessions that spot becomes theirs so it is easy to then list the students at these spots. Then you can quickly take roll and reference their names.
Gary
Once the students have their place set in class I write down their name in my book and set up a seating plan as well. This usually happens within the first 2 or 3 dyas.
I'm thinking of taking photos of the students individually and making a chart for myself. Then I won't need the seating chart, somthing the students don't like.
Thanks for the response, Gary. It always feels good to share tips with others.
Aimee
Hi Aimee,
This is a great idea. Thanks for sharing it with us. I know it will be of help to many instructors looking for ways to learn student names quicker.
Gary
I have trouble with names too. I learned a technique from a graduate school professor that helps. Place each student's name on the outside of a standard sized manilla folder. Ask the students to place the open folder, name side toward you, on the edge of their desks. During class, it serves to help remember names. After class, the folders are collected and used to return papers, tests, etc to students in a sort of mailbox system.
Student names is a big one for me, too. I have students wear name tags until I remember. Also helps students remember each other. If there are multiple first names, I ask if I may call them by their last name.
