Names
Remembering students names is very important. It gives the student a feeling of belonging and caring. Everyone likes to be remembered and this is a good way to start the process.
Hi Stephen,
You are on the right track. I use the personal notes as well and that works for me. I try to create a connection between each student and his/her name in my mind. Through the use of these associations I can get the names down very quickly. The loci method of memory works well with student names. You physically locate the student within in the classroom/lab in your mind so when you visualize that location the name of the student comes to mind. With larger classes I put 4 students in that location and with association I can recall their names. Another thing I use are name tents for the first couple of classes. Again a visual cue for me to strengthen the association factor.
Gary
Are there any other tips besides pictures for learning students names? I have a new semester starting up where I have to learn about 70 names as quickly as possible. On the first day I take role and have them introduce themselves to me and the rest of the class. I take notes on personal observations to help remember them all.
Hi Danielle,
Check with your school on this. We have not had any problems with taking the pictures and using them to learn the names more quickly.
Gary
I found the idea of taking digital photos interesting. Wouldn't that pose legal issues?
Important yes. Difficult as well. I find it one of the more challanging tasks with each new module. I try to use little devices in my head to remember them, somtimes more successfully than other.
It is usually very easy for me to remember names when I have a diverse group. I recall one classroom full of young women with similar physical characteristics. This proved very different for me to remember names.
