How long does it take you to remember all of your student's names the first day?

Name tags on desks are a good way to make remembering easier, or using a seating chart so you can look at it when you need to address a student by name.

Impose a seating chart for the first week or so and call on each student equally during the class period/school day. What I do is make a seating chart then about 10 copies of it upon which I cross out the names of students as I call on them. I like to move around the classroom a lot but I keep a podium central in the room to which I refer. If that's not possible, I tack a chart up on my white/blackboard. I also FORCE myself to call my students by name - never gesture, point or nod to acknowledge them. If I absolutely can't refer to my chart I'll make eye contact with the student, ask their name, REPEAT THE NAME BACK TO HIM/HER and then invite a response to the discussion. There's no shame in repeating this ritual a few times either. You might also want to try an ice breaker the first day of class so that everyone learns each-other's names and a little about each-other. Having something to associate with a person can also help you learn their names.

O0ps...almost forgot.... I have all these little tools for remembering because I refuse to try and remember their names so quickly!...LOL. At least, my brain refuses to cooperate too quickly! Don't feel too bad about your memory. Wait until you see the troubles other teachers have. It is a common challenge!