Students names
I sometimes have troble pronouning students names (especially some of the last names), what would be the best approach?
I will try to pronounce their names on my own at least once. If I do not get it right the first time, then I ask them to pronounce it for me slowly. If I can't say it I will ask them if I can call them by their first name. They usually agree and it seems to work.
During our first couple of class discussions i'll have students say there name before giving a comment "Hi i'm Jim and I think that ......" or i'll use my class roster to call on students to answer questions during a lecture or test review. Usually by the 3rd or 4th class i've got their names down.
I don't have trouble with this problem. I suggest working on getting the name right and make this an important issue. I have pronounced names wrong the first time and second time and I have apologized to that student and getting it right means to them that they are important in the class.
Hi Johnny,
I make it a point to ask how to pronounce names that I am unsure of. Students sometimes become offended if they name is pronounced wrong.
Patricia
Hi Kobie,
I make it a point on Day 1 to memorize everyone's name within the first 10 minutes of class. I am just extremely good at memorizing names. I've been teaching for over 21 years, and a student can walk into the school from many years ago, and I can call them by their name. This act simply amazes people.
Patricia
Hi John,
Ask the student to pronounce their name for you slowly, and you need to phonetically spell the name out so that you can pronounce their name correctly. I use this tactic all the time, and it has proven to be very effective.
Patricia
I agree... therefore I really try to remember and pronounce students name correctly.. I try to treat the students as i would want them to treat me.. a It all begins with learning the students name and pronouncing it correctly. It also shows that I am interested in the student.
Hi Dorothea,
Students want to feel a sense of importance. Remembering student names make them feel very special.
Patricia
Knowing the stuednts' name adds a personal touch. Students will feel that the Instructor cares. I give them a folder,cut it in half and use the bottom write their name on it and I post this card during class so I will not mispronounce their name or call them the wrong name.
Hi Fonda,
It really does personalize things for the students whenever you know their name. The students feel very special and important.
Patricia
I ask them to pick a seat at the beginning of the term... and make sure they stay there... that is all I ask. Then I make a seating chart and use it while taking attendance... and to pass back tests... then i quiz myself... usually by the 2nd or 3rd class I get them all.
Unfortunately, I cannot memorize everyone's names as fast as that. Instead, I find calling on all the students during the course of the 1st couple of lectures (using the roster) helps me put a face with a name. At first, that can mean I call a name to see who answers.
Hi Daniel,
If this works for you continue to utilize it. At least your students know that you are trying.
Patricia
The best way I remembered students names was by going around the room introducing ourselves and why they chose massage therapy as a profession. After the second intro I would go back and repeat the first and so on until I was done with the whole class.
I sometimes have problems pronounsing last names that's when I will ask them to repeat it then I would try to relate the last name with something I've heard or seen,try it it works for me.
Hi Brenda,
I sometimes have trouble pronouncing the first name as well. Once I get the student to pronounce their name, I phonetically spell out the student's name so that I will know how to pronounce it correctly.
Patricia
I don't usually have a problem with pronouncing a name, but I do have a hard time remembering names. Fortunatelly my classes are small enough that I can get to know more about my students. If I have something else to attach to the face, like a breif history of the student, it is easier for me to remember thier names.
When calling roll on the first day, I'll start from left to right and have each person say their name and I will repeat it until I get it right. Also, I will ask if they have an alternate name that they may prefer. Have a little fun with it and show you are human when it comes to pronunciation.
