Remembering Names
There is some advice on drawing out quiet or shy students in some of the discussions. My problem is it is difficult for me to remember all of my students' names, so I am less likely able to call on the shy ones who don't stand out.
I see the Harvard videos the adult students have name cards in front of them, has anyone else used this successfully?
Any other suggestions on how you remember the names of the quiet students?
For the first couple of weeks when I take attendance, I ask each student a question. (such as, "What is your favorite color of car and why?") This gives me an opportunity to make eye contact with the student and place a face with a name. It also helps me and the class get to know the students better
Names are important, but it can be a bit overwhelming to learn 60 names the first day of class. When a student knows that you know who they are, by name, it cuts down on behavior issues. We play the "name game" the first day of class, using repetition and association -- two concepts that I will be covering in a later unit, so it's a great way to demonstrate the value/relavency of what I'm going to be teaching at a later date.
I spend the first week getting to know my students. I talk with each one of them as they are working in labs, entering class or leaving class. I get to know something about them. That helps me remember their names. We also have pictures that we can print out in our attendance program.
One tool that I have used is having an Icebreaker using the student’s names to find another word that begins with the first letter of their name to describe themselves. For example I would describe myself as "Loving LaMonica" or "Learning LaMonica." The students usually enjoy this activity and it sparks participation. Even when I come across a shy one the other student will try to come up with physical descriptions for the shy students. It usually ends up being funny to the shy student and opens the door for them to participate more.
We use name tents for a dual purpose. One side has the student's last name and nationality and the other side is blank. We use the name tents to assign seats and mix the classes up. Then we put coloured markers out and ask them to put what they wish to be called. This helps the instructor learn student names and it also helps the other students learn each others' names--an alternative form of icebreaker.
I went to a seminar once and the facilitator recommended passing out index cards on the first day of class and having the students write their names on the cards (full name as well as nickname). I can then print out pictures of my students and glue them to the index cards. I use the index cards as flashcards outside of class. It also helps to make notes on the index cards to help me if students no longer look like their pictures.
The facilitator also recommended using the index cards as a system to randomly call on students. If students knew they could be called on at anytime, they are more likely to pay attention. He also used the index cards to keep track of participation.
I have used name tents many times when I have a large class and it is difficult to remember everyone's name and found it very helpful. I also call the role and say their name to myself again when I look up and see who it is. I often make notes on the roster the first day and make a copy to keep so I have notes of nicknames, outstanding characteristics, hair color, etc, anything to help me remember who they are the next class. I see my students only once a week so it makes it harder to remember everyone the first couple of weeks.
I have a lot of trouble remembering names as well. I have not taught a class of my own yet but I think the names is one of my biggest worries.
I must admit, I have a hard time with names, but usually I will recognize a student by their work and once their personality starts to show in their work I am pretty good at identifying them.
The worse case scenario and I have had this happen more than once, two or three students seem to travel as a group, they keep to themselves and all of their work looks the same.
To top that off they may turn in projects with no names on them or projects so similar or created together that it lacks any personal touch.
The only strategy I have found to work is to call each student by name as I am passing back papers and try to make some sort of mental association as learned from Dale Carnegie and like courses.
I know some teachers who even resort to facebook or camera phones to place a face with a name.
Hi Christopher,
Great way to help remember names. Using name tents for the first couple of weeks have proven to be very effective.
Patricia
Most students sit in the same seat or general area even when seats are not assigned. In order to
take attendance I provide a sign in sheet at the beginning of each class. I use the sign in sheet
to call on students during the fist days of the quarter. I also use the sheets to make notations about the students.
Hi Jennifer,
The name tents have proven to be very successful. I had a college professor that made a point to remember each student by their name, and this is the practice he utilized. After a short period of time, he no longer had to depend on the name tents. Try to remember something unique about the quiet student to help with name memory.
Patricia
