The Human Factor
I plan to make a greater effort to learn student names within the first couple days. This is definitely a weak area for me, and I know the value in this. People love hearing their name and I do know this.
In the beginning of a new class to help me remember the names of the students I ask the student to give me one word description of something they like to do like skate or basketball
Deb,
I agree. I use several ice breakers at the beginning of my courses to help my students get to know each other so when it comes time to work together on projects they are able to go into groups comfortably.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe that it is important not only for the instructor to learn the names of students, but for the students to also learn the names of their peers. It makes for a more open and friendlier classroom, and can reinforce this memory challenge.
Sue Ellen,
I congratulate you on this ability. Learning student names is a challenge for most instructors yet is very important in the earning of their respect and the starting of rapport. Something all need to make a major effort to do as we start off a new course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I am good at remembering students names. I give a little questionare on the first day of class to my students. Their answers help me put the names and faces together. The questionare would be questions like favorite color, music, hobbies, etc. to learn something interesting about each student.
Tanya,
The fact that you are trying to remember the names says a lot for the dedication you have to your students. Three weeks is a very short time to learn names as you say when you have large classes.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I always try to remember names. Sometimes in big classes it does not happen in 3 weeks.
Lisa,
They really do. This effort will yield great results for you as you work to earn the trust and respect of your new students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
