Action:

• Ask students how to pronounce their name either in-person or in a survey. The name they want to be called may be different than their name listed in the course roster.
• Dedicate additional effort (e.g., make your own pronunciation guide) to ensure you can pronounce names that are unfamiliar to you.
• Avoid complimenting or commenting on a student’s name. Your opinions about their name are irrelevant and your attention about their name may make them feel singled out or different than their classmates.

Reason:

• Using students’ names and pronouncing them correctly is a great way to show respect.
• Memorizing the names and faces of your minority students is particularly important to avoid accidentally confusing two students of the same race.