Learning Names

Ever since my article about learning students' names I've been getting e-mails from professors sharing their methods for memorizing their students. 

Here's one that I liked:

"In classes of twenty students I learn the names on the first day.  I learn the first name.  Then before learning the second name I repeat the first name.  Before learning the third name I repeat the first and the second.  By the end I'm repeating in order 19 or twenty names before learning the last one.  Slow, but it works for me, and the students get into it, too.  I apologize profusely if I get stuck.  Then I go around the room backwards.

"I have also gone around the room asking students to introduce themselves, but before doing that they must recite all the previous names.  Many do surprisingly well. I think the order, the repetition, and the shame of forgetting are what makes this work.

"This method also works for memorizing poetry, or really any list that is not too long--just break up longer lists."

I like the playfullness of this approach.  But it would probably take too long when there are many students in the class.

In my article, I provided 18 tips for memorizing names - but the list could have been even longer.  Do you have any interesting methods to add?

Comments

[Vito Prosciutto]

I return everything myself. Since I always have some sort of in-class graded assignment at EVERY class, this gives me a chance to learn everyone reasonably quickly since I have to say everyone's name every day.

I also make a point when students turn in assignments to look at them and the name on their paper early in the semester.

And finally, it's VERY important to consistently USE students' names. When calling on people, say "Enrique," rather than just pointing at a student. It means that early in the semester you may be picking the same students a lot, but it helps reinforce the names again, and creates an illusion that you have more names known than you do.

[academic coach]

Assignments to grade *every* class. You're a glutton for torture, for sure.

The thing I like about your method, Vito, is that you not only learn students' names but can associate their names with their work.

I agree with the point about using students' names when you call on them. This helps the students get to know their classmates' names and the method works even in very large classes.

[ig]

any tips on when 80% of the students look alike? i have trouble telling them apart sometimes. even if i remember their names, i can't tell Kelly from Amber.