Take 2 for Teaching & Learning: The Power of Learning Student Names in College Classrooms

Learning student names isn’t just a nice gesture; it’s a powerful tool for building classroom community, inclusion, and student engagement. When instructors take the time to learn and correctly use student names, they demonstrate respect and genuine interest, which can help students feel valued and recognized as individuals.

Research shows that when professors use students’ names in class, participation and engagement increase. When they feel seen, students are more likely to speak up, ask questions, and take academic risks. Using names encourages interaction, boosts self-confidence, and draws out quieter voices in the room. In short, learning names fosters a positive learning environment where everyone feels like they belong.

Of course, learning dozens, or even hundreds, of names isn’t easy. Techniques such as name tents, peer interviews, repetition, and practicing correct pronunciation can help. It’s important to create time early in the semester for students to introduce themselves and share how to say their name (including the use of their preferred name). Using names during feedback, praise, redirection, or casual conversation helps reinforce memory and relationships.

Above all, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Just be willing to apologize and keep trying. The effort itself signals to students that they matter. As one instructor put it, “Perhaps the single most important thing a teacher can do to create a positive climate in the classroom is to learn students’ names” (Bosch, 2024). It’s a simple yet transformative act that sets the tone for inclusive, student-centered learning.

References

• Barney, David C., and Teresa Leavitt. “Effects of the PE teacher knowing and using student names in PE class: A qualitative investigation.” The Physical Educator, vol. 80, no. 5, 25 Sept. 2023, https://doi.org/10.18666/tpe-2023-v80-i5-11435.
• Bosch, Brandon. “Does being known matter? analyzing the effects of name recognition by instructor and student.” College Teaching, vol. 72, no. 4, 26 Apr. 2023, pp. 325–330, https://doi.org/10.1080/87567555.2023.2203893.
• Buehl, D. “Wisconsin Teachers Union - WEAC Unites Educators.” Wait. Let Me Think about That. , 2003, weac.org/news_and_publications/education_news/2004-2005/read_tier.aspx.
• Chin, Christine, and Jonathan Osborne. “Students’ questions: A potential resource for teaching and learning science.” Studies in Science Education, vol. 44, no. 1, Mar. 2008, pp. 1–39, https://doi.org/10.1080/03057260701828101.
• Cooper, Katelyn M., et al. “What’s in a name? The importance of students perceiving that an instructor knows their names in a high-enrollment biology classroom.” CBE—Life Sciences Education, vol. 16, no. 1, Mar. 2017, https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.16-08-0265.
• Glenz, T. “The Importance of Learning Students’ Names.” CITLS, 2019, citls.lafayette.edu/the-importance-of-learning-students-names/.
• Howle, David. A Way to Learn Names, The Teaching Professor, 2004, https://www.teachingprofessor.com/. Accessed 2005.
• McFarlane, Lydia. “Why Pronouncing Student Names Correctly Matters, and How to Get Them Right.” Education Week, Education Week, 15 Aug. 2023, www.edweek.org/leadership/why-pronouncing-student-names-correctly-matters-and-how-to-get-them-right/2023/07.
• Miller, John, et al. “Call me by my name: The impact of instructor knowing student names on inclusion.” The Physical Educator, 1 Jan. 2025, https://doi.org/10.18666/tpe-2024-v82-i1-12154. (login required)
• Montalto, Cassandra, and Sissy S. Wong. “Dogma spies.” The Science Teacher, vol. 89, no. 6, July 2022, pp. 52–57, https://doi.org/10.1080/00368555.2022.12293714.
• OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Jun 5 version) [Large language model].  https://chat.openai.com/chat
• Ponzio, Christina M., et al. “Reclaiming and Celebrating Our Names: Storytelling-as-Connection through an Elementary-Middle School Partnership.” ScholarWorks@GVSU, scholarworks.gvsu.edu/mrj/vol57/iss2/9/. Accessed 5 June 2025.
• Walker, Tim. “Why Pronouncing Students’ Names Correctly Is so Important.” NEA, 2021, www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/why-pronouncing-students-names-correctly-so-important.