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.)
Updated July 4, 2013