Fostering Deeper Connections at Work and in the Classroom

At our recent Dutton Community Day, our learning design team gathered on campus to reconnect and welcome new members. Since we work both in-person and remotely, building a strong connection can be tricky despite regular meetings and constant communication.

We kicked off the day with a fun “User Manual Scavenger Hunt.” Ahead of time, each of us created a personal user manual about our work style and preferences, and these were posted around the room. While enjoying morning snacks, we filled out scavenger hunt sheets, sparking lively conversations and laughter. It was a simple yet powerful way to break the ice and understand each other better.

Does this work in a classroom?

Yes! This idea works well in a classroom! Imagine starting your semester having your students create a user manual. Encourage them to include details like their preferred learning styles, communication preferences, motivators, stressors, and even a fun fact about themselves. Sharing these manuals, either in person or online, gives students an opportunity to connect with each other (and you!) in meaningful ways.

Once the manuals are done, organize a scavenger hunt. Ask students to find someone whose manual mentions they love group projects or someone with a unique hobby. Whether you do this during an in-class activity or in virtual breakout rooms, it’s a great way to spark conversations and help students feel more comfortable with one another. If you want to make it even more engaging, use a platform like GooseChase (you can try it for free) to gamify the experience and add an interactive twist.

The best part is that these manuals can be a resource for the entire semester. You can use them to form balanced project teams by pairing students with complementary work styles. Or you might reference students’ interests during lectures and discussions to make the material more relevant. The insights from the manuals can also help you provide more personalized feedback, showing students that you value them as individuals.

Does it work asynchronously?

Yes! Tools like GooseChase can make a virtual scavenger hunt just as fun and interactive, encouraging students to engage with each other’s manuals and build connections despite being co-located.

Incorporating activities like the “User Manual Scavenger Hunt” can do wonders for creating a sense of community in your class. It’s a simple, approachable way to help students feel seen, valued, and supported—and when students feel connected, they’re more likely to thrive both socially and academically.

If you’re interested in learning more about using scavenger hunts in your classroom, please reach out to Stevie Rocco (sxr133) to connect with one of our talented learning designers.