I usually have about 130 students at the beginning of the semester, and about 30 of them drop the class during the course of the semester. By the end of the semester, I'll usually be able to match the names and faces of maybe 50 of the ones who are left.

I'm always impressed when teachers know anyone's name beyond like 25 people. And definitely if they remember past students! I was just telling my mother that one of my grade school teachers friended me on Facebook, and she was like, "He remembered you??" Which, yes he did! (I had the feeling our class was at an important time for him, beyond my being exceptional....)

the cowgirl hat probably helped also.

The retired president of another university used to teach a large lecture class for us each semester. He memorized the name, hometown, and other characteristics (chosen by the students) for all 240 students in the class every semester. It took quite an effort.

But he was retired and in his 70's, and he thought that the memorization would help to keep his brain in shape.

How crazy is this.

One of my mom's college roommates from U of Toronto in the early 60s is in Mexico and struck up a chat over margaritas with a Scottish gentleman who turned out to be one of my mom's best friends from NYC in the 70s.

That's amazing Brenda--how did they figure out they knew people in common??

Well, last year I had 307 students and this year I have 260. When I am at Hil's numbers of 130, I'm okay. I can remember them. I mean I don't remember anything salient beyond name and face and writing ability.

Last spring we had these super detailed reports done on us via student surveys. Unsurprisingly my 88% of students found my class rigorous and only 24% found it fun. I wonder if there is an inverse correlation?

I am eating a blueberry yogurt oatmeal parfait with granola.

I really don't want to work today. Five days in a row is a lot!

Can you bring me one?

meara, no idea, but it must've been some conversation.