Remembering the names of students comes easy for some, not so easy for others. I like to know student names because it helps build a bridge between instructor and student, which can lead to greater interaction. Knowing each other’s names helps us form a classroom community. It’s also respectful and mutual respect is something I like to foster in my classroom. Also, when there are grades allotted for participation, like class discussion, it’s imperative to know who is speaking.

In small classes it can be much easier to get to know each student, but once you get up to class sizes of 30, 50, 80 or more it becomes more difficult.

At the beginning of the semester I provide markers and paper in contrasting colours and ask each student to make a name tent to put in front of them on the table or desk. What other methods do you use to help you learn names? Do you teach in a space where students move around a lot? If so, what do you do to help you remember?