M 358K Instructor Materials

Tips for Learning Student Names

• Download and print  the picture roster before the first class day. Look it over before class to get a feel for the names and pictures. Bring it to class until you have learned all the names.
• Bring half-slips of paper to class the first day to pass out before class, to have everyone write their name, major, and anything else they'd like you to know about them. Go through the information as handed in (as time permits), after class, and before the next class.  
• If the class is small enough (e.g., under 40) spend some time the first class day going around the class to have students briefly introduce themselves (name, major, whatever else they wish to add)
• Get to class a little early the first few days. Bring the picture roster. Review the names you know and learn a few more. Do this until you know all the names.
• Call on students by name.
• Ask the name of any student who speaks in class whose name you don't already know.
• Ask the name of any student who comes to see you in office hours.
• Don't use "I'm not good at names" as an excuse not to learn them. (It's like a student saying, "I'm not good at math" as an excuse not to try.)