Rememering names
There are severalmethods I use based on the class size. One is to make name place cards for a larger class & then create a seating chart.I can acess the students photos prior to class & be sure I know "who is who" & I always try to have a simple in class assignment the first day that I can return to students so that I physically associate the name w/the handwriting & voice.
Hi Martha,
Creating a connection with students is very important. By using the nicknames you are creating such a connection early in the course. Sounds like you and your students have a lot of fun with the nicknames while you get to know each other and get the course started.
Gary
I know it is suggested that instructors learn names quickly but it usually takes me about 3 weeks to learn everyone's names. Some of the techniques discussed in this forum might help but I found by accident that students like the nicknames that I give them. The nicknames end up being a topic of conversation and help develop the camaraderie among their peers. Students without nicknames work on getting me to create one for themselves.
Hi Peter,
I like this system because it helps you learn their names while being productive for the students.
Gary
I send around a sign-in sheet to get the names in sequence, then hand out a project and go over the list in order until I know them.
Hi Jennifer,
You make a good point about how the students are amazed that others have like experiences or interests. Everyone is unique just like everyone else. This is a concept that the students need to understand as they enter the classroom. If they do then they will learn from and enjoy getting to know other students.
Gary
At the beginning of every quarter I have students introduce themselves and then they need to state an interesting fact about themselves that would make them unique to everyone else in the class. It's amazing their reaction when someone else says I do that or I have that too. It makes it so that their not so different and it breaks the ice.
Hi Tami,
This is a great strategy. This way the entire class gets to see the connection between name and the association. At the end everyone will have the names down.
Gary
I just learned a great technique from a colleague: he has each student come forward and make a name association on the white board so that students (and instructor) can remember them. He encourages music lyrics, too. Multiple Intelligences, anyone?
