In small classes, especially when you've taught the student cohort before, it sometimes seems a little odd to be calling roll. Yet I think this is an important little ritual to follow at the beginning of a class. First, it tends to bring students to their seats and to attention. Second, few people do not enjoy hearing their name--and the roll call gives you an opportunity to say their name and greet them again. Third, it pulls together non-class time into class time, organizing and making orderly. Fourth, it emphasizes that the instructor believes being present, on time and accounted for is important. For these reasons I think one should call roll even when it is clear all students are present. Thoughts?