I also have many Hispanic students in my classes, in the Chicago suburbs.
I have spent 40 years in Southern California and had to learn how to pronounce these names correctly.
When I returned to the Chicago area I noticed a large Hispanic population.
When I do the roll call on the first day and some students have said, "You are the first Instructor to pronounce my name correctly".
It really helps with the students attitudes as the class moves on. I know how I feel when my name is pronounced incorrectly.
Cheryl,
This is a great way to build a sense of community!
Jeffrey Schillinger
I make it a goal to know every student's name (and program they are in) within the first hour of class. We make it a game, and every student knows the names/programs of their classmates before they leave the first class. Most are amazed by their newly found ability. This accomplishment is used at a later date to reinforce their ability to learn new material.
I agree, this is especially important with the multitude of cultures and languages we have in the education system
Lisa,
Good point! Learning and using students' names is a simple, but very important thing teachers must do.
Jeffrey Schillinger
you definitely want to call a student by their name and of course address them individually because it not only demonstrates respect but lets them know you took the time to memorize each and everyone of them and I believe this will have a positive repsonse in the classroom.
Kathleen,
It is worth the effort to learn their names. It makes a big difference. Have you found any difference in retention since you stopped using the name tags? My guess would be that the tags would help in retention.
Jeffrey Schillinger
We make it a point to do this, which originally was very easy because all of our students wore name tags on their culinary uniforms. These have now been eliminated due to budget constraints, and it is definitely a harder task to remember and use student names now.
Christopher,
Learning student' names as soon as possible is very important. I suggest you work with members of your faculty to see what they are doing to learn names. i used to ask students to say their names every time I spoke to them early in the term. It worked well. I have also seen schools that require students who are dressed alike, such as culinary students at most schools, to wear name tags.
Jeffrey Schillinger
i have a hard time remeber and saying names. But i found the students also have a hard time with my name. i aften tell them they just call me chef. its easy, then i ask the ones i have a hard time with if there is a nick name i can use that will be good for both of us. It usually makes them laff. and we work it out. they feel that it works out best for both of us and shows i care to know them and respect them.
I agree, calling them by name isnt enough. You must learn how to pronounce that name since we have suich a large diverse group of students, if you call out their name and it isnt pronounced correctly then the student will be offended.
A large number of my students are Hispanic, and when I say their names correctly, they truly do appreciate the special attention.
even though i have up to 30 students per 3 week course, i pride myself in learning all names at least last name of each one. calling roll out loud everyday and putting a name with a face does it for me,
i have found out that it is not enough just knowing their name but also saying their name correctly is important for mutual respect.
Depending on the number of students in class will relate to how quickly you can learn their names. Students seem more interested/attentive if you can call them by name.
