Laura--
I can relate on the children's names...my son was called by the dog's name occassionally :)
Name tags are a good idea, or name 'cards' they could sit on the desk regardless of where they sit.
Susan
I like your idea of name tags. I, too, have difficulty learning names unless I have a direct, 1:1, interaction with a person. Heck, I have difficulty getting my children's names right.
I tell my students not to take it personally, and this way they know my grading is not based on personality; however, I think I may suggest name tags as part of our student uniforms.
Personally I'm really bad with names. Fortunately, all of our students wear nametags and I have myself in the habit of glancing at the nametag of every student that I talk to....so even if I don't remember their name it seems as though I do... :)
Kelly--
You are correct! Using their names really makes a positive impression and makes them feel that you care about them personally. Do you have some tips on learning their names quickly?
Susan
I teach an introductory class on College Success. I tell the students that in a kitchen class, they would be able to tell my "ability" by watching me cook, cut an onion, move in the kitchen. In a lecture class none of these occur or apply. But a part of the class I teach is memory, and I use learning their names as my "cutting the onion" demonstration that the techniques I teach work.
I teach an introductory class on College Success. I tell the students that in a kitchen class, they would be able to tell my "ability" by watching me cook, cut an onion, move in the kitchen. In a lecture class none of these occur or apply. But a part of the class I teach is memory, and I use learning their names as my "cutting the onion" demonstration that the techniques I teach work.
Learning student names lets students know they are important. This also establishes respect between the instructor and student.
