I agree. Usually as I return their papers is when I can match names and faces.
Hi Karen,
You impressed your student by this action. Students want to know that they matter to you. Keep up the good work. You are going to be fine.
Patricia
I have 5 classes with about 20 per class. It takes me 4 weeks to get everyones name.
Being a first time instructor I was a bit nervous but I knew that this was what I wanted to do. When I started I made every effort to learn the students names by the time they saw me the next time. It was rewarding because when I used their name it made them feel good that I remembered their name after only one meeting. That made me feel good my first time out the gate.
Hello Charles,
I have the same rearing. You call those of authority or older by Mrs., Ms., Miss or Mr.
Patricia
Scoot,
Good Idea of writting down the names and where they sit. One problem I have is the the students move seats which then has me calling people by the wrong name. When this happens I make myself the butt of the error, which then causes more students to move around. This then becomes a contest as to how well I can match names and faces.
I also try to use the students first name only if there are more then two students with the last name. The students usually call me Mr. Wesselman, but comes from my upbringing to call those in authority Mr. or Ms. (Last name).
Hi Scott,
Great technique for memorizing student names. You are right when calling on a student you should address them by their name. My school's corporate culture is the student must address all faculty members by courtesy title and last name, such as Mr. Grams. It is good you have the freedom to allow your students to call you by your first name.
Patricia
What I do is write them down on a piece of paper and where they sit. When I ask questions going around the room, I will ask them by their name. It is more professional versus "hey you in row one" or "we will start here and look at someone". By the fourth week I don't need the paper anymore.
To have good communication within the classroom, you need to speak to the students on a name to name basis. When they say Mr. Grams, I reply "you can call me Scott".
Hi Victoria,
Some of us are completely healthy and have a very hard time remembering names. Remembering names is just one of those things where some of us are good at it and others aren't.
Patricia
Don't stress- I don't have Lupus & I can't remember names! You're doing great, though. I'm sure your students understand & respect you for trying.
Hi James,
Don't beat yourself up about remembering names. You have something that you can not control. Just remember, there are plenty of educators that are in perfect health, and they can not remember names. Simply, do the very best that you can. Your heart is in the right place.
Patricia
