Six 4 hour classes per week. Class sizes 15 to 33. Many pronuciations
I have 5 or 6 four hour classes per week. All with different students. My students represent an interesting cross section of the world.
I firmly believe that each of them is entitled to have me know their name and for me to be able to pronounce their name correctly.
First as to names:
I have not been able to get individual pictures and names prior to the 1st class.
I have taken entire class photos but it may be a few week before I am aware of exactly who may be in my classes. I do ask each student how to pronounce their name. I write the pronunciation of their name phonetically on my roster. If I ever goof they let me know with good humored laughter and I always apologize and try to do better.
Often an individual student may have only one or two classes with me. I rarely forget a personality but names are getting difficult.
My students have been very tolerant and supportive. They all are aware that English is my second language and that I have no first language. Additionally that I speak several languages but for some reason no one understands me. Humor aside I want to do better.
I am nearly seventy but won't age as an excuse. I have read the various forums
regarding student names and have obtained some good information. This is so important to me that I am asking for any and all additional information anyone one is willing to share.
Thank you.
Hi Allan,
Keep up the good work and great attitude. These are signs of a true professional and your are one of them. You are making an impact on the lives of your students.
Gary
Thank you. I appreciate your supportive words.
Hello Allen,
I too teach at least 5-6 classes for 5 hours each every week. It is very difficult to learn all of their names the first week. What works well for me, is to use word association after I have them introduce themselves in class. I try to find something about them that helps me remember their name. Sometimes it can be silly, like a certain accent from down south, or the shoes they are wearing.
I many only teach only 2-3 courses a term. The last few terms, at least a couple of the courses are 5 hours long, verus the traditional 4 hour courses. In either case having 20-30 students per course, names are hard; expercially dealing with international students.
My issues with names has nothing to due with age, but with hearing and former strokes in my past. The brain just don't work as well as it used to. My daughter has issues with names because of learning disabilities and her sezuires. Association helps alot when dealing with names.
I have learned that explaining my limitations to the students on the first day of the courses help when the names just don't want to come out just right.
I just never thaught of writing the pronouciation on the roster.
Hi Theresa,
I like how you explain your own physical situation to the students since it does have some impact on your ability to recall names. This information helps the students to be understanding and supportive of you as you work through the process of learning their names.
Gary
I too struggle with names and I'm only half your age!:) My husband, also a teacher, remembers the name of virtually every student he's ever had. Some of us have to work at...no big deal.
Have you tried a seating chart? I know most people think of seating charts for younger students....however, as we've all probably noticed many students tend to sit in the same seat or same area day after day. Let them know on day one they may sit wherever they like, but that you will need them to remain in that seat the rest of the course. Then you can make a seating chart and have it in front of you. Thus, even if you forget a name, you can quickly glance down. It is also helpful if you have a sub.
I also agree with the previous comment about remembering names matched to silly things. I specifically ask them to tell me something silly and then I write it down and repeat it in my head before the next person does thier introduction.
One last tip...I also make it a point the first few days to visualize where the students right before and/or after class. Repitition helps.
Hi Summer,
Great suggestions and tips. Thanks for sharing them with us. I know they will be of great help to other instructors.
Gary
Great point! Organizing them to remember the students names is essential. It helps them gain a sense of worth from you their instructor!
I've found that handing back graded work really helps in learning my students' names. Looking at the name on the assignment, finding the student in the room, and walking over and physically handing the assignment to them really helps to strengthen the association between the name and the face.
At first, you may have to say their name out loud and wait for them to raise their hand before you can find the face that goes with the name. But if you keep doing it every day, you'll find that it gets much easier, and before you know it, you'll know all of their names.
Hi Becky,
Good point for all of us to remember as we strive to learn students' names. Repetition works for us as well so the more we make connections between papers being returned and students names the quicker we will get them memorized.
Gary
