Supportive Teammate Assignment

Description:

In 2.00b and 21W.035, Jared Berezin assigned one student each week to send out a message offering support to their teammates.

Steps:

• Include a description of the assignment in your syllabus and introduce the assignment in class. Here is an example from the 2.00b website.
• Share appreciation with students who have participated.
• Ensure that students are told to refer students of concern to a support resource.

Rationale:

• Incorporating this assignment into the course shows that giving and receiving support are valued by the instructors and useful in the field.
• Students gain confidence and competence communicating support to their peers.
• Students experience a greater sense of connectedness and compassion with their classmates, and perceive a more supportive classroom environment.
• Read the mixed methods study of the intervention.