University of Arkansas at Little Rock

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.