Knowing Students By Name
Learning your students name from DAY ONE will set a tone of respect and show that you care about the student as a person not just a number.
Jason,
This is such a simple thing but has powerful implications because it shows you care about them as individuals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I will learn their first and last names on the first day of class and will make sure to use them after that and also use them when I see them in the hallway. I find they feel it's respectful.
Krista,
This is such a fun and informative way to start off a new class. You are demonstrating to your students that you care about them as individuals due to your dedication to learning their names quickly. This sets the tone for a supportive class environment.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This might be unrealistic for some classes. I usually have 25 students (most with unusual names) per class. I make sure I let the students know that I will learn their names by the end of the week. Also, if there is any question, I will ask the student from day one the correct way to pronounce their name and write a note on the roll sheet so that I do not get it wrong the next day. I start each new group with the "name game" where they state their name and something they want to bring with them to a desert island that starts with the first letter of their name. Then the student next to them has to repeat the name and object of the person before them before they move on to introducing themselves. It always lightens the mood and gives people a chance to laugh and be creative.
Kristina,
Keep up what you are doing. Your effort is going a long way with your students. You may even want to play a little game with them where you work on remembering the names of the students and when you miss a name the students remind you of it. Generally this will generate a laugh from the student whose name you can't remember but the experience serves to burn that name into your memory bank and the next time you will remember the name.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree that knowing a students name is important, but it usually takes me about 5 days to know my classes name. I feel that once you make this connection they feel important. I have actually had a student say it made her feel bad when another teacher remembered everyone else's name but hers. How do I go about not making the same mistake? I try and do topics that make me associate their name with something like their favorite book, movie or hobby.
Glenn,
This is a good strategy to follow. I teach six sections of the same course with enrollments ranging between 35 to 70 students in each section. I have to work very hard to remember the names as well as what I tell each section so I don't repeat myself or leave something out. This requires some planning so I can get the names down quickly and that I have a clear understanding of how each section is unique in terms of their learning needs. You have a good method working for you. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree, learning every student’s name is critical. However I sometimes can find this challenging. I teach several courses and I will have returning students. This will make learning their names very easy. However, there are times when a majority of the students are in my class for the first time. As I take the role on the first day, I will also note where the student is sitting by recording their name in a seating chart. I find that people, for the most part, are creatures of habit. Students will tend to sit in the same seat throughout the course and even in subsequent classes. As soon as possible, I try to get to the point of where I can take the role silently by trying to recognize them as they walk into the classroom and eventually no longer need the seating chart.
Andrea,
I am sure you shock students when you know their names. I am sure this does much for the students in terms of getting settled into the school because someone other than their instructor knows them. You are to be complimented for your effort in getting to know the students in your school.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I always make it a point to learn names to faces within the first couple of weeks of class start. I am not personally in the class room instructing our students daily, but as a manager on campus it seems to be a pleasant surprise when a campus staff member knows the newest students.
Sharika,
This is what the human side of being a teacher is about. The more respect you show your students, like learning their names the more respect you will earn from them. As you say from this point forward then it is a rapport building process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I make a point to know all of my students first and last name on the first day. They feel like I actually care and pay attention to them. Also, there is more respect both ways. It helps to build a personal yet professional relationship. If my students know I make a point to know them, they know I make it a point to help them.
Shelia,
Thank you for these strategies for getting the names of students down quickly. This is such an important part of helping students to get settled into the course and feeling like they belong.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I strongy encourage all instructors to learn the names of your students prior to entering the classroom. That can be done by making those initial phone calls prior to class starting to welcome the student. Once they enter the classroom it now becomes easier to put the face with the name, because you have spoke to them and are familiar with their name and sound of their voice. Not only is it easier on the instructor but it has shown to help increase retention by showing our excitment to be able to share our passion.
It definitely is a sign of respect for the students.
Carrette,
So true and such an important part of setting the right tone for the upcoming class sessions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Yes knowing students' name from day one is a valuable and worthwhile undertaking. Students feel a profound sense of respect. It is like "WOW! I am valuable; I am somebody -- someone took the time to know my name."
Elliot,
Great strategy. Thanks for sharing it with us. Remembering names is an ongoing challenge for most instructors and this is another strategy we can use.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It's a wonderful premise, however I have always struggled with learning names. I always have joked that if people had numbers I would always remember them. One exercise I have used is a contest of having the students repeat everyone's name in sequence the first day. While listening to them, I remember a substantial amount more than if I tried on my own.
