Comments on: Six ways to learn and/or remember your students' names http://sixthings.net/2009/09/04/six-ways-to-learn-andor-remember-your-students-names/ A Miscellany of English Language Teaching Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:01:05 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: one year » Blog Archive » Remembering students’ names http://sixthings.net/2009/09/04/six-ways-to-learn-andor-remember-your-students-names/#comment-599 one year » Blog Archive » Remembering students’ names Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:06:45 +0000 http://sixthings.net/?p=1247#comment-599 [...] length of time, get to know their names. If, like me, this is something you’re just not good at, here are some good ways to help you plan around it from Lindsay Clandfield’s excellent 6 things [...] [...] length of time, get to know their names. If, like me, this is something you’re just not good at, here are some good ways to help you plan around it from Lindsay Clandfield’s excellent 6 things [...]

]]> By: Sylwia http://sixthings.net/2009/09/04/six-ways-to-learn-andor-remember-your-students-names/#comment-598 Sylwia Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:20:28 +0000 http://sixthings.net/?p=1247#comment-598 I often use a variation of this game. I ask students to say their name and an adjective/abstract noun that desribes them, or a favourite animal for kids, or a favourite band for teens, favourite food for beginners, etc. The options are nearly limitless. It helps me (and my students) not only to remember the names but also to learn a bit about the people in the group. I often use a variation of this game. I ask students to say their name and an adjective/abstract noun that desribes them, or a favourite animal for kids, or a favourite band for teens, favourite food for beginners, etc. The options are nearly limitless. It helps me (and my students) not only to remember the names but also to learn a bit about the people in the group.

]]> By: Ashley http://sixthings.net/2009/09/04/six-ways-to-learn-andor-remember-your-students-names/#comment-597 Ashley Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:18:57 +0000 http://sixthings.net/?p=1247#comment-597 In my Public Speaking class (I'm a college sophomore going into education) we had to play a name game. The teacher said that by the end of the class we would know the name of every person in the class. I didn't believe him, but it worked. He had us sit in a circle around the entire class room. the way it worked was the person who started said Hi my name is _. the next person started with the person who went first and said "this is "jane" I am "bob". then the third "this is Jane, Bob, and I am." You get the idea? and we did this all the way around the room. In my Public Speaking class (I’m a college sophomore going into education) we had to play a name game. The teacher said that by the end of the class we would know the name of every person in the class. I didn’t believe him, but it worked.
He had us sit in a circle around the entire class room. the way it worked was the person who started said Hi my name is _. the next person started with the person who went first and said “this is “jane” I am “bob”. then the third “this is Jane, Bob, and I am.” You get the idea? and we did this all the way around the room.

]]> By: Sarah http://sixthings.net/2009/09/04/six-ways-to-learn-andor-remember-your-students-names/#comment-596 Sarah Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:07:19 +0000 http://sixthings.net/?p=1247#comment-596 I had a colleague who used to make a note in the register of what colour watch the students were wearing, i.e. green "Swatch" or mikey mouse, or whatever, I suppose that's ok if you're teaching in a warm country where students come in t-shirts. I found that when I was teaching in Asia, a lot of students would say "call me Johnny, or Kevin" or a shortened version of their name as a very kind face saving exercise for me, something that I always appreciated. For some reason I've developed the knack of knowing every students name before the end of the first hour of class. As soon as they're settled into their first GTKY activity, I make a point of looking at each face, saying their name, repeating it, checking with them or asking their neighbour, and repeating the list of names on a table as I go round and assist each group. I do this in the odd moment during the first hour, and then as they file out for their first break I repeat all their names, which pretty much takes them (and me!) by surprise and breaks the ice. I think they then also realise that it's ok to be open about checking and making mistakes with names. I have to admit though, 2 weeks after the course has finished and I bump into them in the local supermarket, I've got no idea what the name is, but I remember the faces and the course they attended! I had a colleague who used to make a note in the register of what colour watch the students were wearing, i.e. green “Swatch” or mikey mouse, or whatever, I suppose that’s ok if you’re teaching in a warm country where students come in t-shirts.
I found that when I was teaching in Asia, a lot of students would say “call me Johnny, or Kevin” or a shortened version of their name as a very kind face saving exercise for me, something that I always appreciated.
For some reason I’ve developed the knack of knowing every students name before the end of the first hour of class. As soon as they’re settled into their first GTKY activity, I make a point of looking at each face, saying their name, repeating it, checking with them or asking their neighbour, and repeating the list of names on a table as I go round and assist each group. I do this in the odd moment during the first hour, and then as they file out for their first break I repeat all their names, which pretty much takes them (and me!) by surprise and breaks the ice. I think they then also realise that it’s ok to be open about checking and making mistakes with names. I have to admit though, 2 weeks after the course has finished and I bump into them in the local supermarket, I’ve got no idea what the name is, but I remember the faces and the course they attended!

]]> By: Mark Stoneman http://sixthings.net/2009/09/04/six-ways-to-learn-andor-remember-your-students-names/#comment-595 Mark Stoneman Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:06:13 +0000 http://sixthings.net/?p=1247#comment-595 I go over rosters after leaving a class and call their faces to mind as I look at their names. I do this before the next class. A few days of this and it's done. But this semester I've got more students than usual, about 165 total in three sections of Western Civ. If the classes were a couple hours, like they sometimes are, I would have them work in small groups and walk around and memorize while they got on with their work. But this time I've only got 50 minute classes, so there's not time. Hence, I have requested that students email me their picture looking like they would on a normal morning in class. The pictures have started to come in. I still have to connect them to live faces, but they will help. The main point: take learning names as seriously as you would when developing a syllabus or preparing a particularly difficult class. I go over rosters after leaving a class and call their faces to mind as I look at their names. I do this before the next class. A few days of this and it’s done.

But this semester I’ve got more students than usual, about 165 total in three sections of Western Civ. If the classes were a couple hours, like they sometimes are, I would have them work in small groups and walk around and memorize while they got on with their work. But this time I’ve only got 50 minute classes, so there’s not time. Hence, I have requested that students email me their picture looking like they would on a normal morning in class. The pictures have started to come in. I still have to connect them to live faces, but they will help.

The main point: take learning names as seriously as you would when developing a syllabus or preparing a particularly difficult class.

]]> By: Vicki Hollett http://sixthings.net/2009/09/04/six-ways-to-learn-andor-remember-your-students-names/#comment-594 Vicki Hollett Tue, 08 Sep 2009 08:20:11 +0000 http://sixthings.net/?p=1247#comment-594 This is only relevant for mixed nationality groups, but a nice way to start a new class can be to write your name up on the board - explain who gave you the name and why, nicknames you've had, along with anything else that seems relevant to your name. And then hand the pen to a student and invite them to do the same. As the pen gets passed around, there are sometimes 'aha' moments as a Japanese students write up their name and the kanji characters are recognised by Korean or Chinese classmates, while I and fellow European students watch in amazement. And then hopefully someone from say Argentina steps up and explains their multiple surnames, and the wonder carries on. Only a rose could smell as sweet... This is only relevant for mixed nationality groups, but a nice way to start a new class can be to write your name up on the board – explain who gave you the name and why, nicknames you’ve had, along with anything else that seems relevant to your name. And then hand the pen to a student and invite them to do the same. As the pen gets passed around, there are sometimes ‘aha’ moments as a Japanese students write up their name and the kanji characters are recognised by Korean or Chinese classmates, while I and fellow European students watch in amazement. And then hopefully someone from say Argentina steps up and explains their multiple surnames, and the wonder carries on. Only a rose could smell as sweet…

]]> By: Sara Hannam http://sixthings.net/2009/09/04/six-ways-to-learn-andor-remember-your-students-names/#comment-593 Sara Hannam Sun, 06 Sep 2009 06:04:16 +0000 http://sixthings.net/?p=1247#comment-593 Yep Alex and Lindsay - choice is definitely the way to go. Lindsay interesting point about name butchering. I am sure there are some cases like that which would result in a decision to change it I guess. My point was that I think its important to try to at least find out that students are comfortable with the names that are being used, if they are the changed version, and have not just followed suit because this is the way things are done. The discussion in itself is interesting input in the getting to know you phase of the course! Plus all of use are capable of mastering a reasonable approximation of the pronunciation of a set of names if the will is there. If a student insists they want to be referred to by an English name (in my case, I had a Chinese student who wanted to be "Jelly", I don't argue) - that's each person's right. Yep Alex and Lindsay – choice is definitely the way to go. Lindsay interesting point about name butchering. I am sure there are some cases like that which would result in a decision to change it I guess. My point was that I think its important to try to at least find out that students are comfortable with the names that are being used, if they are the changed version, and have not just followed suit because this is the way things are done. The discussion in itself is interesting input in the getting to know you phase of the course! Plus all of use are capable of mastering a reasonable approximation of the pronunciation of a set of names if the will is there. If a student insists they want to be referred to by an English name (in my case, I had a Chinese student who wanted to be “Jelly”, I don’t argue) – that’s each person’s right.

]]> By: alexcase http://sixthings.net/2009/09/04/six-ways-to-learn-andor-remember-your-students-names/#comment-592 alexcase Sun, 06 Sep 2009 02:35:03 +0000 http://sixthings.net/?p=1247#comment-592 There are a few issues specific to Chinese names. One is that Chinese rarely use their first (meaning Christian) names, with teachers using full names, friends using nicknames and family using "elder brother" etc. There is also the problem of asking low level students what their first name is when of course the name that comes first is their family name. The other issue is that by changing the tone or the pronunciation in other slight ways, you could easily change their name into something very rude in Chinese! Therefore when they say "My English name is Rocky" (true name!) I ask them "Do you want me to use your Chinese or English name?" and let them choose. As their level improves or they get used to being in the UK, we might discuss it as part of a lesson and give them the chance to change if they like. The problem then is that the English names really are easier to remember, especially if only one or two students have them, so it is easy to give them too much attention and talking time, as with any students with memorable names There are a few issues specific to Chinese names. One is that Chinese rarely use their first (meaning Christian) names, with teachers using full names, friends using nicknames and family using “elder brother” etc. There is also the problem of asking low level students what their first name is when of course the name that comes first is their family name. The other issue is that by changing the tone or the pronunciation in other slight ways, you could easily change their name into something very rude in Chinese! Therefore when they say “My English name is Rocky” (true name!) I ask them “Do you want me to use your Chinese or English name?” and let them choose. As their level improves or they get used to being in the UK, we might discuss it as part of a lesson and give them the chance to change if they like. The problem then is that the English names really are easier to remember, especially if only one or two students have them, so it is easy to give them too much attention and talking time, as with any students with memorable names

]]> By: lclandfield http://sixthings.net/2009/09/04/six-ways-to-learn-andor-remember-your-students-names/#comment-591 lclandfield Sat, 05 Sep 2009 21:47:15 +0000 http://sixthings.net/?p=1247#comment-591 Thanks Sara for your reply. Interesting about anglicising names, I have not seen it in Spain except in cases where the teacher gives English names to students (usually young learners). I personally really don't like this and would never do it. However, when students themselves anglicise their names and you're right about Asians sometimes doing this I am not sure what to say to them. It has happened that when I have asked their real name they tell me, but say they prefer to go by their adopted English name - which they have chosen. In which case I don't really argue. I went by a Spanish version of my middle name (Jamie, for James) when I lived in Mexico as I just got tired of hearing people butcher my first name and never remember it. Could it be the same for them? Thanks Sara for your reply. Interesting about anglicising names, I have not seen it in Spain except in cases where the teacher gives English names to students (usually young learners). I personally really don’t like this and would never do it. However, when students themselves anglicise their names and you’re right about Asians sometimes doing this I am not sure what to say to them. It has happened that when I have asked their real name they tell me, but say they prefer to go by their adopted English name – which they have chosen. In which case I don’t really argue.

I went by a Spanish version of my middle name (Jamie, for James) when I lived in Mexico as I just got tired of hearing people butcher my first name and never remember it. Could it be the same for them?

]]> By: Sara Hannam http://sixthings.net/2009/09/04/six-ways-to-learn-andor-remember-your-students-names/#comment-590 Sara Hannam Sat, 05 Sep 2009 16:23:44 +0000 http://sixthings.net/?p=1247#comment-590 Sorry to come in a bit late to this one. Love your advice and all these tips are things I do myself too. I find by about week 5 of the semester I know all the namesa and I tell the students during the first few weeks that we meet I am sorry in advance for needing a bit of time to learn them. This always works out fine. I wanted to mention something that relates to this post, which is how I feel when students anglicise their names. In Greece that would mean Yiannis = John Giorgos = George or Dimitrios = Jim or Ioanna = Joanne etc. Now of course if this is a choice, then so be it. But nine times out of ten, it's not. Students believe that teachers (mainly NESTs) won't be able to manage their names. Now that I teach students from across the Balkans, including Greece, I feel that it is my responsibility to learn how to pronounce names from a diversity of locations, even if it takes a while. I did the same when we had foundation courses for Chinese students or when I was teaching in the UK (primarily Chinese S's during summer courses). The Chinese students who came to Greece introduced themselves as "Debbie" and "Frank" etc, so what I did was just ask them if they would like me to use their Chinese name and that I would be happy to try. Interestingly, in almost all cases, and across nationalities, most of the students do prefer to have teachers use their actual name rather than their assumed identity. Well that makes sense to me really as names are important. That's why we need to make an effort as teacher to get them right. Now if its a choice then that different. My husband (Yiannis) is known by all his Greek friends and the wider community in Thessaloniki as "Johnny" - why? Well he was born smack bang in the middle of the punk era and played in a band for a long time and in that context, he became known as Johnny. Perhaps for a punk, Johnny is better than Yiannis (or at least it seemed that way to him when he was 17!) So that is what people call him. What I am talking about is when students change their names because of their perception that they should adjust themselves to make things easier for the teacher. I have very mixed feelings about that, and therefore am happy to put in the extra effort to swat up on names with new classes. It always pays off! Thanks for the post again! Sorry to come in a bit late to this one. Love your advice and all these tips are things I do myself too. I find by about week 5 of the semester I know all the namesa and I tell the students during the first few weeks that we meet I am sorry in advance for needing a bit of time to learn them. This always works out fine. I wanted to mention something that relates to this post, which is how I feel when students anglicise their names. In Greece that would mean Yiannis = John Giorgos = George or Dimitrios = Jim or Ioanna = Joanne etc. Now of course if this is a choice, then so be it. But nine times out of ten, it’s not. Students believe that teachers (mainly NESTs) won’t be able to manage their names. Now that I teach students from across the Balkans, including Greece, I feel that it is my responsibility to learn how to pronounce names from a diversity of locations, even if it takes a while. I did the same when we had foundation courses for Chinese students or when I was teaching in the UK (primarily Chinese S’s during summer courses). The Chinese students who came to Greece introduced themselves as “Debbie” and “Frank” etc, so what I did was just ask them if they would like me to use their Chinese name and that I would be happy to try. Interestingly, in almost all cases, and across nationalities, most of the students do prefer to have teachers use their actual name rather than their assumed identity. Well that makes sense to me really as names are important. That’s why we need to make an effort as teacher to get them right. Now if its a choice then that different. My husband (Yiannis) is known by all his Greek friends and the wider community in Thessaloniki as “Johnny” – why? Well he was born smack bang in the middle of the punk era and played in a band for a long time and in that context, he became known as Johnny. Perhaps for a punk, Johnny is better than Yiannis (or at least it seemed that way to him when he was 17!) So that is what people call him. What I am talking about is when students change their names because of their perception that they should adjust themselves to make things easier for the teacher. I have very mixed feelings about that, and therefore am happy to put in the extra effort to swat up on names with new classes. It always pays off! Thanks for the post again!

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