Student Retention
I've found as an Instructor that learning the students names is very important for retention. It makes involving the students in lectures much more effect and well as other benefits. The trick is finding a way that works for you. Some ways include: Making a seating chart with the students names at each postion, when taking roll look at each student as you say their names, make a game with the students and tell them to not tell you their name until you tried from memory. There are many other ways to do this but you need to find a way that works for you.
Hi Carla,
Isn't it amazing how something as simple as knowing your students' names can set the tone for the class. It shows you care about them and that you want them to be successful in your class.
Gary
I try to learn my student's names by doing as you stated. I feel they are there for their learning and that I as a facilitator need to know who they are. I was a student once and wanted to be respected so I do the same for my students. Knowing their names is respecting who they are.
making a student feel as though you are there for them goes a long way. we have student that are from all over and you may be the only adult that they can talk to.so making them feel as they belong there studys should not be a problem.
Hi James,
Thanks for sharing this example and the strategies you use to learn your students' names. You are right that instructors often focus on the "squeaky wheel" in the class and forget some of the other students that are going about the business of learning. Great way to make sure all of the students are included in the name learning and rapport process.
Gary
wow,this is a good one!
when i was still new at this, i remember the first name i would have down pat, was the biggest cut up in class.
it dawned on me after a while, that this was at least a bit insensitive to the other people who were making a concerted effort, and probably were
more interested in the information i was trying to pass along anyway!
so to counter that habit a bit, i picked at least two people per day, starting with the ones that were the most quiet, and before long that name problem was solved
