Students names
It is important that we take the time to learn our entire student’s names by the 2nd week of class. Students will feel that we care. Don’t underestimated yourself as an experienced instructor. Our experience is based on all the years we spend in our field.
Hi Lacey,
Name memorization has always come easy for me. I really do not do anything in particular other than a good stare for each student on Day 1 for about 5-10 seconds. I know all of my students names by the end of the period.
Patricia Scales
I always have a hard time with names, in my personal, as well as professional life. I found that the easiest way was to watch them sign the roster as the came into class. Then confirmed names as I handed out assignments. I was lucky enough to have a small number of students, but still had to work at it to get them right by the end of the week.
Hi Rosemary ,
At least you are making great effort to learn your students names. Your students know that you are trying.
Patricia Scales
This is not my forte! I usually ask that each student tell me their name as they ask or answer a question. I quiz students every week and I study their answer papers as they hand them in to associate names and faces.
As I get to know students I try to always respond to them by name. Even though I may get their name wrong, they know I am trying!
Our rooms are very long and narrow so place cards are of little value
That is good. Today, I must admit, I can barely pronounce the names, let along remember some of them. What I do is try to associate the names with something. I usually can remember if someone else has the same name. I take every opportunity, especially calling the role. Most of the time, the students are very territorial & they will often sit in the same seat, so, this helps as well.
Lillian
Hi Elizabeth,
No it is not poor, but you can use name tents in the future; this technique seems more adult like.
Patricia Scales
I started with the scchool 5 days befor class started. My manager had them sit in alphabetical or for ease of memory. Is this a poor tecchnigue initially? The students did not seem to appreciate them strategy.
I have found that students are more relaxed and they feel more appreciated when I address them by their name. I mix first and last name one day I will call them by their last name with an appropriate title i.e. Mr. Johnson or Miss Taylor. This can make the student feel that they are important to you and that you have taken the time out to learn both first and last names. This will make them feel more connected.
Hi Dana,
This is a great way to be proactive to learning students names. Students love it when we know them by name.
Patricia Scales
i'm starting a new class in a week. I've been looking at their pictures on the computer, but the interactions i've had with a few have already helped so much more.
Hi James,
I like the lesson you want students to get from your name excercise! Trying means a lot! Some instructors use name tents for the first week or so to help with name memorization.
Patricia Scales
Hi Sarai,
Students love it when we know them by name. Students fell important when we can connect a face to a name.
Patricia Scales
One way I get to know my students names is through assignments. Calling role every class meeting and handing back assignments helps me put faces with names on the roster. I can't always say that I have them all by the second week, but they all know that I am trying my best. I even play a guessing game several days after the term has begun. I ask the class not to raise their hand or speak when I call their name. And, I take my time and look around at all of them until I think I have the right person, and I timidly ask, "Karen?" They all laugh when I get them wrong, but the process is in place. And, it helps build a sense of effort. I expect them to put forth effort, even when they fail, so I show them that I am putting forth effort as well, even if I fail.
