Student Names
I've struggled at times, remembering students names, this is something I plan to work on.
A seating chart has helped me to learn names faster.On my podium I have a plastic chart on which I can place names. Erasable so as I get to know them I can change to nicknames.
Kimberly,
This is a struggle for most of us. By sharing strategies we can come up with methods that will work for us as we focus on learning the names of new students. I five classes of them coming in two weeks and I am already working on getting the names down in my mind so the first class meeting will be positive for them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I struggle with this, too. Today I asked for the students' photos with respective names so I can practice the association before I see them again.
Andric,
Repetition is a great way to get the names down quickly plus it helps you to create a connection with the student. This is the foundation for the development of respect.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
to me it is very important that call out there name every time that i talk to or speak to them so that it will stick with me because if i just so say it more the easier it is for me to remember them by their name and face
word relating"jim" think of any words that rhymes, think Jim seems dim. when you see him you will remember "dim Jim. dont tell him or call him "dim jim"
Yvonne,
The more connections you can make with the person and name the easier it is to remember the name or at least that has been my experience. So I work hard to learn an important fact about each student to which I can attach a name and get the name burned into my memory bank.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Antonio,
Great advice because of the diverse student populations we now have in classes. Each term I am learning new ways to pronounce names. A tough but enjoyable learning experience for me.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I've always had a weakness for remembering names even when I've tried the repeat the names three times technique without success. I like the suggestion of this module to associate with what the students work experience or background. I'll try using this idea. Hopefully it will make it easier for me in the future.
•Read through your class roster several times before the first day of class. Roll the names over in your head, so they will sound familiar when you meet the students.
Sandra,
I wish you success with this technique. Remembering names is a common challenge for all us so the more ideas we can get to do a better job of it the more successful we will be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I, too, have difficulty putting names with faces during the first few class meetings. I think this is a great suggestion. I plan to implement it soon as we start a new term in about ten days. I am anxious to see if this technique helps. I have tried a number of things and perhaps the repetition in this suggestion will do the trick.
Karen,
Thank you for sharing this story with us. It shows how much students appreciate instructors that try to learn their names quickly. Even when a name is missed the students are there to help you get it so the next time it will be remembered. This is like a game that everyone enjoys and the outcome is that their names become a part of everyday use in the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Remembering names doesn’t come easy to me, but recently during the first week of class, I made a game out of my trying to remember all of their names. They seemed to enjoy it. As I looked at each student seeking to recall his or her name, the student looked back at me smiling, expectantly waiting to see if I could successfully remember. Of course each one was rooting for my success. Sometimes a little hint was offered, but it was all in good fun. I could tell how much they appreciated that I wanted to learn their names.
John,
The more association we can make with a name the more likely we are to remember it. Thanks for sharing this strategy with us. Most of us struggle with learning the names of our students quickly.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I've used that method as well. Repetition works as does putting a funny spin on the name. I'll remember "Mike" if I think of him behind a microphone or "Chip" if I picture him chopping wood.
I struggle with names as much as the next instructor but I've noticed how much it means to them when I do remember so I try really hard to get it right by the 4-5 day
James,
Thank you for sharing this strategy with us as many of us struggle with learning the names of our students. The more methods we have hopefully the better we will get at remembering the names.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have used the method of saying their name three times as I look at them to put a name with the face. It seems to work and every time I see them in the halls I am able to say hello to them with their name after. It seems to make them feel more comfortable with me.
