Joao - Name game team work class

In our very first class at the University of Arkansas we had a name game conducted by the Professors Gavin, Joe and Christina. Technically, I thought it to be a warm up for our class. It took place in a mixed class with brazilians and nationals from Iraq. Personally, I enjoyed the nature of the activity, because it made me reflect on how a name could sound for others. Also, the importance given to the name of a person probably makes one feel more important and welcome. In classes back home, I like to extend that asking for their days of birth and city they were born, It is quite astonishing realize that some of them have no idea about simple straightforward things like this related to their own life.

The activity did work for me as it also helped me remember the names of my peers, specially the non brazilian ones.

The second activity required a little more sharing and team work, which I noticed to be a bit more difficult for some of us. I guess that the cultural differences arose during class and brought some tension.

Nevertheless, I would suggest teachers be doing that in order to get lessons done in an interactive way. I also believe that as soon as the tension wanes out learning takes place effectively.

I reckon that the name game is for all ages and backgrounds as it is fun and meaningful to anyone. Regarding the second activity , the teacher needs to work among students in order to break tension and consequently have the learner be comfortable and concious of the process he or she is in.