Thomas, great job taking a proactive approach to learning the names. All too often I hear faculty say they just cannot remember names and do not try anything new to learn the names. The biggest hurdle to jump is the willingness to try new things.
James Jackson
Brian, eye contact is a great technique. You not only make a mental picture for yourself but you also engage your students more when you look them in the eyes.
James Jackson
I know what you mean I get 30 new students every 3 weeks I have trouble remembering names i sit them in alphabetical order and I have them pronounce their name and introduce themselves and tell me something about themslves this helps me put a name to their face. Plus I don't murder their names
Kevin, very innovative and not a technique I have ever seen before so thanks for sharing. How do you manage those students that did not take to the puppet technique or anyone that may have felt left out? Thanks for any additional information you can share.
James Jackson
Martin, I really like this technique. I do allow students to change their seats but I also request they provide me with their new seating arrangement ahead of time so I can ensure I know who I am speaking with when engaging in discussions.
James Jackson
Mark, sounds like a great technique. How do you handle the introverts and those that do not feel comfortable speaking in front of groups? Thanks for any techniques you can share with the group.
James Jackson
Lynne, you provide a good technique. Some others include using a seating chart which you can use for the first couple of weeks and mention the student's name as often as possible.
James Jackson
Students do respond in a more positive way when we use their names. Our school mandates a culinary uniform, id tag and a dress code policy regarding hair, facial hair, jewlery, makeup, shoes, and nails. So, for attendance, each student must check in with me at the podium for a "pride inspection". This enables me to put a face with a name, smile, and say "Good Morning Brad, how are we today?" In a matter of days, I know all of their names.
When I call roll I try to put names with faces and then when I hand out progress reports I test myself to get the name with the face correct.
I like to test myself as I'm moving around the classroom. I look at a students face and try to remember their name, and then look at the class roster if I can't remember it. Then I move on to the next student. I have already identified the previous student, so now I can start using a process of elimination. The more students I identify the easier it gets! After a couple days of repeating this exercise, I don't need to look at the roster any more. It isn't easy to remember names though; you have to work at it.
I do have trouble remembering names. I have gotten better over time and one thing I do is when calling names, I make eye contact and try to find a unique characteristic about each student. The characteristic could be something about them when they introduce themselves to the class.
Remembering the names of students was a big challenge for me until one day I bought about ten hand puppets that looked like dogs, cats, elephants, etc.
I brought these into class and handed them out to the students whose names I had the most trouble remembering, and then called them by their puppet names. Strangely, most of my students really liked this and named their puppets and insisted on getting 'their' puppet at the start of each class.
At the end of the term some students wanted to know if they could keep 'their' puppet, and so on the spot I came up with a sort of master work project: if the student made a project that really showed their hard work and dedication to my satisfaction they could keep their puppet.
After a few terms I bought more puppets and they became a sort of trophy that is still highly sought after.
Eventually I got better at memorizing names using
mnemonics but I still use the puppets since they are effective at increasing student participation.
My name memory is always a challenge. To help, I make up a seating chart at the podium with a sketch of theroom and where everyone sits. Generally, students keep the same seats. This helps also with attendance.
In the first week of class in one of my entry level classes, I ask the students to come up with three project ideas to pitch to the class. I have them present their ideas to the entire class on week two. While they do this, I take notes: Name, project, questions put forth by the class, etc. It gives me something to associate with each student, plus we talk about their ideas prior to putting them together in groups. Helps with names, and putting like minded students together.
Oh, my! This is one of my biggest problems! I too let them know that it is a difficulty that I have and ask them to please not be offended as it is nothing against them. I have considered using name cards to sit on the table at each person so I can begin to remember better. I do try to look at the face of each person as I call role, or hand back assignments and say their name in my mind as I look at them. This helps somewhat.
The size of the class and whether this is a class with all new students you have never met before has a strong impact on remembering names. I find that if you ask the students to say their names each time they respond the first few weeks of class ,it helps a great deal, especially if they know the reason is so you can get to know them.
Repeating their names several times from the first introduction and continuing to do so will help to remember them. Also, I use association. Maybe they look like a "Mike" I know.
Rebecca, there are many techniques on remembering names. One that has worked for me over the years is to start early with creating as many situations as possible that will require you to say a student's name. An official seating chart can also be helpful if your classroom environments allows. This allows you to study the names and locations of your students. Keep a positive attitude towards a desire to make learning names a priority and to convert a weakness into a strength.
Regards,
James Jackson
Hi Rebecca,
I have trouble remembering names also. I wish that they could wear name tags for the first few classes! I try & repeat their names several times each the first few classes. I try & remember something about them -either a story that they told me or a word association. My fall back is, of course, roll call. I also look at their names on their papers & books as I walk around the room & try to use their name several times so that it sticks. Sad to say some names will still escape me... We are only human....
