As we age our ability to make connections heightens and yet classroom environments typically become less supportive of forming new relationships. One thing that is often overlooked but can make a huge difference in the environment is knowing peoples names. Referring to each other by name creates a more comfortable environment that promotes people sharing in class. For instance, MGMT 101 forces students to memorize their classmates names and faces as students are quizzed on them. This means that by the third time the class meets they are familiar with the name of each one of their classmates and already have a higher sense of community than most classes ever reach. Something as easy as spending some time to consciously absorb peoples names when they say them can make a huge difference In the community of the class and therefore how much people are able to take away from the class. If people are more willing to share then the class will become more engaging therefore benefiting each of us. While it is easy to start a comment by saying, “similarly to what she said” or “I agree with what he said”, I will make the conscious effort to call each of my classmates by their name.
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