Get Your Students Hired
I always let my students know that the best way for them to assist me in learning their names is to play a bit of "Where's Waldo" in our 3rd class session.
All I ask is that each student sit in the same spot for 2 class sessions and on the 3rd day switch seats with each other leaving me to sort them all out. I'm usually at least 98% correct, but the students get a kick out of trying to "stump the instructor".
I've also found that when I take time to learn a student's name, they will learn mine...a connection has been made and we build from there.
Hi Michelle,
I like this strategy. It is effective for you and fun for the students. I know they really appreciate it.
Gary
I try to have all students names memorized by the 2nd night or the end of the first night....i quiz myself every half hour of the first night...the students get a kick out of it...but it lets them know that i really am trying.
Great point. Since students refer to me by my title, I also make it a point to call the students by Mr. or Ms. and their last name. This establishes a rapport as well as an environment of respect.
That is a great method. I utilize handing out papers so that I can move about the room and associate names with positions in the classroom.
When the teacher calls students' names right from the beginning, that makes all to get involved by feeling they have an identity and relevancy in the process.I teach a multinational class and right from start I learn their country of origin and some cultural facts associated with their names in a getting- to- know- each other -game on my first class.
Passing out assignments that were already handed in allow me to remember students names after 4 days.
Online learning really helps facilitate learning student names because in the chat we have their names in front of us! I usually remember faces, but names just seem to escape me. I love having their names in front of me during class time. Now I just have to learn to pronounce some of the names!
Hi Peter,
This is an excellent point. If we value a student we will put forth the effort to pronounce his or her name correctly.
Gary
Another key is pronouncing their names correctly. It sends a message of "I really don't care" if you continually mispronounce a student's name. I always insist my students correct me until I get it right.
I have tried this before and it actually works. Especially when I hand back homework, quizzes, and assignments it helps me remember their names.
Ooo...that sounds fun, Rosemary. :) I might try incorporating that to my instruction... My classes are significantly smaller than yours (usually only around 20), so I try to get them all on the first day. If I don't, I tend to fall behind. But a couple-day-in quiz sounds fun!
Hi Rosemary,
I think this game is great. As you say the students have a lot of fun trying to stump you while getting to know you better. This is a win win for everyone. This lays a great foundation for the development of rapport and respect for you and the students.
Gary