remembering students' names

[DeVolder Carol L]

Dear Tipsters, I know that some of you are very good at learning students' names in a very short time frame. I could sure use some advice in that regard. My memory for names is embarassingly poor. I'm lucky if I remember students' names by the end of the semester, and that's only if it's a very small class or if a particular student does something outrageous or distinctive. I have tried everything I can think of--I take attendance every day, often I pass a camera around in class and get "mug shots," and I try linking a feature with a name (e.g., Carly has curly hair). I really try, I honestly do, and I know it's important to the students (and so it's important to me). I tell them this true story so that they won't be hurt if I forget their names: About 15 years ago as I was drifting off to sleep, my husband, whose name is Larry, said, "Good night Carol." In my twilight zone between sleep and wakefulness, I mumbled, "Good night Lester." I don't even know a Lester, but I knew my husband's name started with an L. Lucky for me, my husband understood because he's known me a very long time (and we've now been married for 32 years). At the time, I was awakened by my own embarassment and I've not made that mistake again (yet), but I'd really like to get better at students' names. Can you all tell me what you do and what seems to work best for you? I've been teaching for about 16 years or so, and so far my own efforts haven't been very successful. Am I just doomed to having a poor memory or is there something that I can do? Thanks, Carol   Carol DeVolder, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology Chair, Department of Psychology St. Ambrose University Davenport, Iowa  52803 phone: 563-333-6482 e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: archive@jab.org To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]