Case
Doesn't Respond to Name

One of my students does not respond when her name is called. I have to tap the student in order to get her attention. I discussed my observation with the parent and asked if they had noticed this and what could be the cause of it? They replied that nothing is wrong with the child, I just must not be saying it loud enough or perhaps there is too much going on around the student. However, even when I am only a foot behind the student saying her name, she still does not seem to hear me. What should I do?

Posted on: 02/23/20 | Views: 518
Solution #1
Top Solution
I would ask the student if they are having difficulty hearing because of classroom noise level, and implement a non-verbal way of getting their attention without having to touch them. My first step would be to not try to get their attention when I am behind them, as for many students, myself included, tend to tune out sounds/noise from behind them.

If I was a teacher I would get down to the root of the issue.

I think this is a good start to solving the problem but might require a bit more of action afterwards.

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Solution #2
I might discuss this with the student and ask them if this is because of the noise level in the classroom or if they are focused doing their work. Not trying to diagnose this student, but it is possible that they may have auditory processing disorder. In short, this is when the brain takes a longer time to process noise than others. Usually this is difficult in noisy or distracting situations or when they are tired or stressed. However, it is best to ask the student first, because there may be another reason for them not hearing you.

I would do exactly this when dealing with this situation. Because the student might having hearing problems or a disorder. But before we get that far and try not to diagnose the student maybe try and ask the student if they cant hear or maybe take note of when you ask her weather it is loud or quiet, front of them or behind them.

If I was a teacher I would try altering the noise to see if that would help.

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Solution #3
I would have a conversation with the student to gain some insight into what is going on, and see what factors could play into the situation. I would also look for non-verbal methods of getting the students attention, such as approaching the student from the front and tapping on their desk lightly if they do not respond to their name. I would work with the student to develop the signal, so that it is something that they are comfortable with.

I agree talking with them first would be the best option, there could be factors and things going on that are distracting her and causing her to ignore you.

Talking to student first would get to the root of the issue.

I think this is a good solution.

I think this is a good first step to finding a solution to this issue.

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Solution #4
The student may have more distractions in a busy classroom setting as opposed to a more controlled informal setting such as home. There are some ways that you may help the student. For example, first get the student's attention using nonverbal cues. This may be a wave or a tap or a thumbs up. Then say the student's name. I would also check to make sure you are not mispronouncing her name or that if there are student's with the same name in the class, that she may think you are addressing them. You may also want to ask the student if there is something else she prefers to be called.

I think it is a great idea to ask the student if they have a preferred name that you are not using. They may be used to a nickname in other scenarios, but you are using their full name.Overall, a conversation definitely needs to be had with the student to get their perspective on what is going on.

If I was a teacher I would also ask the student do him or her prefer a different name to go by.

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Solution #5
I would definitely try and get her attention from the front and create nonverbal cues to get her attention.

Trying different alternatives to get cues from the student.

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Solution #6
I would have a private, one-on-one conversation with the student to get further information. If the student is a select mute, which I only have limited experience with, getting the student to trust you and finding a nonverbal method of communication is paramount. If it is only the student's name not being responded to, but the student talks to other classmates and participates in class, ask the student why she does not respond to her name. Find out the reasoning behind the lack of response directly from the student and agree upon a method of communication between the two of you for the remainder of the school year.

If I was teacher a one on one could help to improve things.

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Solution #7
I would possibly ask the student if there is another name that they go by or a nickname. For example, I have a friend whose real name is Morgan but she goes by her middle name which is Paige. If I were to call out "Morgan", she will not respond to me because that is not what she formally goes by. The student may also have a nickname that you are not aware of that she would like to go by instead. I hope that this is helpful!

I would also ask the student for another name to go by.

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Solution #8
I would talk to the student one on one and ask if they are hearing you or not. Another good thing to do is to make eye contact with the student while calling their name, a lot of times it'll get their attention. Another good thing to do is using other types of non verbal communication like gestures and body language.

If I was a teacher a one on one is something to be done to make sure what the student prefers or finding the issues.

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Solution #9
I would try moving her desk near the front. If there is a communication issue it will be easier to get the student's attention from the from of the classroom than the middle using verbal and non-verbal cues.
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Solution #10
I think you should speak to parents again and ask different questions, such as, do the child have a nickname at home. I have had a friend all his life his mom called him Pepito; however, his name is Jose. and if you do not know all Jose's are Pepe Pepito for little kids. He thought his name was Pepito, so, whenever a teacher or someone else called him Jose, he never responded or turned around. I am not saying this is the case, but you never know.
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Solution #11
I would ask the student if they have a preferred nickname or a way that would grab their attention. Maybe work on calling exercises such as lining up students and practicing saying 'here' when you call their name.
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Solution #12
I would pull her to the side and make conversation with the student maybe she doesn't feel comfortable to speak to the teacher yet, maybe she might have some hearing problem, or maybe the student isn't answering because she wants to be called something else.
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Solution #13
I think it could be one of two issues. If it is a hearing issue, I would suggest to the parents to get the student tested. It could be however that the student doesn't identify with their name. I would ask the student what they would like to be called, and if they like their name. It may be that they have a preference for another name or nickname. Perhaps their friends call them something different away from the eyes of adults.
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Solution #14
Try asking the student if they prefer to be called or recognized by a different name.
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Solution #15
Asking the student, first, would be a place to start. You can see if there is too much noise, if she tunes others out when she focuses, or if she just does not pay attention. Try to be in front of her when saying her name or calling on her, rather than behind. You can use nonverbal cues as another method.
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Solution #16
The student should go through a physical assessment at their primary care doctor with concerns about her hearing. This problem should be discussed through a meeting with the parents, principal, and school nurse so proper opinions can be expressed on the school systems behalf and the parents can not be angered by being 'singled out' potentially.
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Solution #17
I would ask the student if she hears you calling her name. This could clear up if she's ignoring you or if she is hard of hearing. Ask her if she prefers to be called another name. Ask the best way that you are able to get her attention.
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Solution #18
The first thing I would do is to speak with the student directly. I would ask the student if she is having any kind of difficulty hearing when someone speaks to her. Based on her response I would further assess the situation and seek out additional help if needed. From here we would work to get appropriate resources to to help the student.
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Solution #19
If the parents have not noticed anything wrong with the child, you may ask the student if they are having a hard time hearing and she is not letting anyone know. Non-verbal communication may help get the student's attention such as a wave of the hand or a color card. It is also possible that the student gets so focused and concentrated on whatever they are doing that they aren't in tune with other happenings. Alternatively, the child may prefer another name that she should share with you.
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Solution #20
Communicate privately with the student. Also maybe implement a assignment of learning to write their name or an activity of making name tags for the desks.

As a teacher you would want to keep things confidential and pull the student to the side.

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Solution #21
I agree with the previous stated solutions with talking to the student first. If they are having problems hearing, then she can discuss with parents first. Also having a nonverbal que would help.

If I was teacher talking to the student first is the first step.

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Solution #22
Does this student respond to anyone else referring to them by this name? The first time I read this case study, I misread it as not responding to this name specifically and thought that there might be a chance they are used to a nickname. Others have mentioned asking the student if they may be having trouble hearing you the teacher. While I'd be sure to make sure to avoid embarrassing the student, this is what I believe to be the best strategy to begin investigating what may be the issue. Since you mentioned the parents' reactions, what grade level is this child? If they're old enough to have been through a few classes and have had teachers you know, is it possible to contact them and ask them if the child did not respond in their class as well?

If I was a teacher I would see how the student interact with students in the class.

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Solution #23
Have a hearing test set up

As a teacher I would observe before the hearing test.

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Solution #24
Invite an observer to the classroom and together you talk with the parents again. Sometimes the parents are not aware of a problem because they have only that child. if you have the support of another school member, the parents may be willing for a further testing.

If O was a teacher having a observer in the class would help to see about options with the student.

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Solution #25
First ask if the student has any issues with hearing if not, I would explain to the student how it is respectful to acknowledge someone that is talking to you.

As a teacher I agree if the student is ignoring me I would go over rles of respect.

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