C1. Use the correct pronunciation of student names, including providing an option for students to record that pronunciation.
Everyone has the right to be addressed by the name they choose—that includes pronouncing student names correctly. While we all make mistakes sometimes, continuing to mispronounce student names is a microaggression that may signal to the student that they are not welcome in your classroom.
Examples &Strategies
- In smaller classes, you can ask students to introduce themselves at the start of the course to learn each other’s names. Additionally, you can use name tents to encourage the use of student names and pronouns throughout the course.
- VoiceThread is a great option to record and share student names that can be integrated in the LMS. Ask students to provide a short introduction to themselves using VoiceThread and provide your own introduction and name pronunciation as an example.
- One-on-one meetings (advising, office hours) are also important spaces for instructors to check in with students to make sure that names are being said correctly.
- Students may also be uncertain about how to pronounce their instructor’s name. Let students know how to want to be addressed.
Considerations
Mistakes happen encourage students to remind their classmates and you if a name is mispronounced. Often people may avoid using someone’s name for fear of mispronunciation – ask if you are uncertain.
Resources
Building Belonging: Building Belonging (Using Students' Names Matters) Center for Teaching and Learning.
IT (Knowledge Base): Getting started with VoiceThread. UMass.