Name cards
Using name cards and assigned seating for the first class is helpful for learning students' names. Just be sure to tell them that they will be able to pick their own seats after the first session!
I know of many Instructors who use this method for the first two weeks of class. But I have even had students tell me that they like it so they can know their fellow classmates names, and who they are for contact after class for study groups.
This sounds like a very good idea! I know I have a really difficult time remembering names of students. What I usually do is to make notes during the first class about who is who and study them until the second class. I try to make a joke about it being my test that I must study for before the second class. If I get every name correct, yea me, if not each student gets one free pass on a homework assignment. I am very strict with my homework policy and this helps if there is a problem for a student one week. I also tell them that if they do not use the homework pass, they can 'cash' it in at the end of class to get 5 points added to an individual test score or 10 points on a quiz.
I think I will try the name cards this semester to see if that works any better.
I agree, especially when you have large classes and students that you have not had in previous classes. I make the name cards as table tents and have them ready for the first day of class. For multiple classes, I use different colored paper. It also gives the students an opportunity to correct any misinformation or to indicate how they prefer to be addressed.
I really like how it works in your class. I would like to implement it with some of the other classes. I have heard complaints from some that it gives us a "way-out" from actually learning their names. I don't agree. What is your take on that comment?
My student have name tags, so I use this to an advantage to learn their names. On the first days lecture I also get each student involved with the presentation so I can put a face to each persons name. I explain this to the students briefly, and they seen to understand and appreaciate it.
In a former life, I taught larger classes and a seating chart was the only way to go. However, when I came to this school and the classes were 20 students or less I thought I could learn their names on my own. After a few years of trying to keep the names and faces straight, I gave up and told this new set of students I was going back to a seating chart. I told them why, and they have been very receptive. It seems to be working.
Name cards are a great idea. Even better - make student badges they are required to wear the first week or 2 of class. Staples/Kinko's et al. offer this at a very reasonable price. In the mean time try name association. For example if you have a student named the same as your best friend in high school named Beth start there! Some student names are harder to remember than others. The best thing atop of the suggestions above are to conduct 1 or 2 periodic one on one meeting(s) w/students to discuss concerns(attendance), quiz/test scores, etc. in the first 2-3 weeks of term. Listen and repeat their names in your response!!
I find name cards extremely helpful with learning students names. I saw this used when I use to attend factory training for a well known Japanease auto manufacturer and use the same technique in any class I am teaching.
I use name cards for my classes especially since I have a hard time remembering names. I also have index cards that the students fill out with information. I use those cards to then call on students to answer questions. They didn't like having to answer without raising their hands but after the first class, they just accepted the method.
I think name cards are a great idea. I have a hard time remembering names.
Hi Michael:
One good thing that can come from a sense of uniformity in students is that it may cause them to see each other as equals.
Regards, Barry
Hi Henry:
Something similar is creating cards, then using those cards to randomly select students to answer questions during the class.
Regards, Barry
