Putting a face to the name
I have to employ several techniques. I make a basic seating chart, and as the students stand up to answer introductory question such as "What I am known for" I will note down their name, a physical characteristic and a point of what they shared. I will also have them put up a name tent using a 5X7 card. The students will pick up and return the card daily. I use these cards to take attendance, divide students into new groups daily,and put personal notes to the students.
This is an interesting technique that I have never used but it may be effective. I do not make seating charts simply because I want the students to feel comfortable where they are sitting however if where they sit causes to much talking and such I will move them and I state this in the beginning of the first day of class so they know ahead of time what the expectation is. I use a word association game in that I start off with a start to a story and then each student adds to the story and after each addition I repeat what they said and their name and it seems to work really well and the students get a big kick out of it and learn other students names as well which ties the class together making for great discussions.
Hi Elaine,
Great ways to help with name memorization. Students love it when they are known by their instructor by name...they feel important.
Patricia Scales
Hi Valonda,
Great idea! This serves as a bonding period as well.
Patricia Scales
I admit that I have a hard time remembering names both in the class room and in social situations. It's something that I work on. Making name cards works for me. If I see their name written I will always remember it. Some name association also works too. If I had a class with John, Paul, George and Ringo in it I would be all set!
Great idea! I try to learn all of the names by the end of the first class - it just makes things run more smoothly and the students appreciate it.
Hi Nicole,
I agree! I make it a point to learn all my students name before they leave on the first meeting. Students feel important and special by me making this great effort.
Patricia Scales
I have had several students compliment me on this. I also find that by using their names, it forces them to engage more. Besides, why would you want to not learn their names? I do this as quickly as I can.
I think learning their names right away does make students feel like you really do have an interest in the class. Like some other posts I've read here, I often hear, "you remembered my name?" and are quite surprised and complimentary of this.
My trick is when I hear their name or say their name is to find something to associate with them. One young fellow from last term had the last name of one of my absolute favorite movies about a horse. I asked him could I call him that (it was his last name)...he LOVED it, and found it unique. But it helped me remember his name!
What I like to do is put them in the same seat for a couple of weeks just to learn their names, and then they may feel comfortable with the group they're setting with. Then after I learn their names they can sit wherever they want, but they usually stay in the same place.
Hi Shawne,
I know that some instructors still use the alphabetic seatig to help with name memorization.
Patricia Scales
Yes, trying to learn all of the students names before the first day of class is a good idea. It shows the students that the instructor is putting effort to knowing them.
