Getting to know your students
I have found that by learning their names the first noght of clas makes a big impression on the students.
I totally agree that if you learn the students name the respect is open right then and there.
Since my school is online, we have profiles for each student. During orientation, we encourage them to fill in information about themselves like what they like to do, why they are here, etc. We also allow them to upload pictures. I'm a student adviser, so during my orientations, I suggest to my students email or call their instructors to introduce themselves so they can be viewed as more than a name.
I found it difficult to remember the names the first day with average of 25 new students every three weeks, I found that if I print a sheet with their picture and name I learn them that much quicker.
we try to learn there names the first day of class and also there intrests to be more personal.
do my best to pronounce the students name correctly and verify the pronunceation of their name I find that the correct pronunceation of the students name shows as a sign of respect
Since we are a small school, it's easier to get to know our students. Our entire staff greets students each morning as they come in. The students like this and jokingly refer to this as walking the "gauntlet". The students like to see familiar faces when they enter the building.
I have had classes that I will go through the students one-by-one saying their name then adding the next student until at the end I have said them all at once and pointed each one out. It's fun and blows their minds in large classes.
I just told my new faculty during their orientation that they need to know everyone's name by the end of the first week.
Victoria--
You make a great point...talking about things that are 'fun' and non-threatening make a big difference. Sounds like a great exercise!
Susan
Learning the students names is definately very important, but I also use ice-breakers to get to know the students too. I include the usual things such as major and year of school, and I include fun things like what's your favorite food and what's the best movie you've seen lately and why. I am amazed at how quickly a class will bond over briefly discussing what they like to eat and watch for entertainment. It also helps me remember students as individuals.
Arturo--
I like having students tell us information about themselves...hobbies, etc. It tends to make it more personal and I find it helps me remember them as well.
Susan
I too am bad with names so at first day of class ,
I tell them about my background both personal and professional then I ask each and every student to tell me about themselves such as why they are here, any hobbies,what they expect from this course and what ever they want to add. This gives them a sense that I too am human and approchable and hopeffully wont feel intimedated by me.
At the beginning of each quarter my goal is to know every student's name within the first two weeks. Students seem to respect an instructor who tries to identify them as an individual.
Darrell--
Good points. I agree that pronouncing the students' names correctly is important. It is a sign of respect.
Susan
I use the first day of the new module to look over the rosters and mark my "new starts". then as I go over the rosters for attendance, I do my best to pronounce the students name correctly and verify the pronunceation of their name, sometimes I get it right and sometimes I don't, but this allows me to to put the face with the name up front and correct my pronunceation if I were incorrect. Thankfully, our students are required to wear Identification Badges.
I find that the correct pronunceation of the students name shows as a sign of respect, I do not call them by their first name as to me this is to personal, but by Mr. or Ms. (last name). I find that using this format keeps it on the formal and on an adult level.
Nicol--
That personal touch... remembering something specific about each individual...is a wonderful way to build those relationships and make each student feel like they belong. Great!
Susan
I agree, getting to know your students first makes a huge impression. I have a great memory whereas, I review specific details that each student has provided to help me learn something unique about that individual. It's seems like a lot but I have learned that students develop a better relationship with the instructor due to leaning specific details.
John--
Great tactic. In addition to helping us remember their name, it gives them a good indication we are treating them as individuals.
Susan
Names & faces are hard to put together all at once. So I look them in the eyes & say thier name each time they aproach me. J.P.
