meeting the class for the first time
I am nervous about my ability to learn names. Is there any tricks of the trade I should know about?
I try to visualize a certain characteristic and associate it with the student's name. I always have the students introduce themselves briefly during the first class, and attempt to assoicate a fact with their name and face right off. Such as, Sam-engaged to be married, carries grey clip board, or Kate-very tall and slender, etc. I do not know if this works for everyone, but I am a very "visual" learner and it works well for me.
Paulette,
Association is very helpful. Create a connection between the student and his/her name. The connection can be found when they introduce themselves. In the introduction I have them give me some information about their lives, such as a hobby, pet, etc. I listen carefully and then connect the information given to their name. I review the names before I go into class so I have a mental picture of their names and faces in mind. I also have them use name tents for the first few days so I can create a connection between their names and the name tents. I give them multi-colored felt markers to write on their name tents. I connect their names and the colors they use on their tents as well. My point is the more connections I make the easier it is for me to remember their names.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Paula,
Thanks for sharing these strategies for learning student names. I know they are going to be helpful to other instructors.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I think it is normal to be nervous but what i usually do is ask the students how they would like the class to start? They will give different suggestions and i try to analyze them, praise their effort then suggest a way forward. I usually end up forgetting i was nervous.
I like to have an introductory game that both introduces interesting facts about everybody but it also "breaks the ice" in the classroom setting. However, after 30+ years of teaching I find nothing is quicker and more productive than using an old-fashioned seating chart (their choice of seats). I usually know most students' names and faces by the end of the second class
Ruth,
Spoken like the experienced teacher you are. Some things work well and should continue to be a part of our instructional strategy for getting to know students. Seating charts are an effective strategy to use.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I usually go in nervous also, but I always try to find a opening line from one of the students to break the ice.
Ann-Marie,
A smile and a little humor goes a long way in reducing the nerves. This is why a good ice breaker the first class meeting is important.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
You are not alone in this matter. My ability to name names is equally as bad. At the first class meeting, I encourage the students to sit in the same seats each class session. The students usually comply until about the fourth of fifth class session. By then, my goal of learning their names has been accomplished. Checking attendance, calling out their names, at the beginning of each class session, allows me to verify that the right person is in the right seat and if there are any deviations, I am able to make a mental adjustment on the couple of students that switched seats
Bola,
Good strategy for learning the names and connecting with your students. This sets the tone for a positive class.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I like games to I usually ask people to tell me something about themselves that is rare or interesting like a hobby or history. It sparks laughter sometimes.
