According to Dr. Richard Light in Making the Most of College, community membership is an integral part of students’ learning. Below are ideas on how to establish a community within the classroom.
- Learn names. Everyone makes an effort to learn at least a few names.
- Set up a buddy system so students can contact each other about assignments and coursework.
- Find out about your students via questions on an index card.
- Take pictures of students (snapshots in small groups, mug shots) and post in classroom, office, or lab.
- Arrange helping trios of students to assist each other in learning and growing.
- Form small groups for getting acquainted; mix and form new groups several times.
- Assign a team project early in the semester and provide time to assemble the team.
- Help students form study groups to operate outside the classroom.
- Solicit suggestions from students for outside resources and guest speakers on course topics.
