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In this section there will be a breakdown of the demographics from HEL-101 Foundations 

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In this section there will be a breakdown of the demographics from HEL-101 Foundations 

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Engaging learner-centered activities that support the success of adult learners in the class. These activities will foster belonging, accommodation to diverse learning preferences and they will also reflect adult learning principles such as relevance and real-life application

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Description: For this activity students will write or present their personal learning journeys: education, experiences and goals

Purpose: promotes self-awareness, recognizes prior learning & build connection

Learning Theory: Andragogy (Life Experiences) & Transformative Learning (Reflection)

link: https://schoolguide.casel.org/resource/top-learner-autobiography-lesson-plan/

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In this activity students will create a visual map of their personal, academic and career goals. They will also try to come up with a few steps on how they will obtain these goals.

The purpose of this activity is to encourage those who are visual and kinesthetic learners to articulate their purpose and to stay motivated

This connects to the Andragogy theory (goal orientation) & Experiential learning (Concrete Expression)

Link: https://www.mindtools.com/a5ykiuq/personal-goal-setting

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Goal List - 10 Free PDF Printables _ Printablee

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Description: Tech Bootcamp Night is a night where students get to explore different tech websites. They will get to learn the ins and outs and how to use to work for them in their line of work.

Purpose: The purpose of this assignment is to reduce anxiety for those who are tech-limited. This will build confidence early

Theory Connection: Maslow (Safety Needs) & Andragogy (Readiness to Learn)

Link:https://edtechteacher.org/tools-for-leading-learners-from-patrick-larkin-on-edudemic/

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"Connection Circles" is a great activity that can be utilized the first few nights of class. This is an activity where students can find peers that either share traits, goals or experiences with each other. This can be done as a bingo game. It can also be used later in the class to separate them into breakout groups.

The purpose of this activity is to have an icebreaker to get everyone comfortable with each other. It is a way to foster connections and engagement across diversity.

This activity is connected to Maslow theory of belonging and the transformative learning theory of peer engagement.

Link: https://ctl.columbia.edu/resources-and-technology/teaching-with-technology/teaching-online/community-building/#:~:text=Put%20students%20into%20groups%20of,to%20share%20what%20they%20discussed.

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Imagine walking into your first night of class. A sense of hesitation rushes over you. Being 52 returning to school after decades of raising children and working double shifts. It feels like you are stepping into unfamiliar territory. As you look around the room you see a classroom filled with laptops, energetic conversations and students who seem much younger than you. So you decided to quietly find the seat that is furthest from the front. It also has an empty chair beside it. That chair stayed empty for the first few nights.

It wasn't until one evening, during an icebreaker that you shared your story. In your story that you shared, you let people know that you taught yourself excel at work to help train a younger coworker. The class clapped. Then a student turned and said, " I hope that I am driven at your week". After that class that empty chair became filled with students sitting beside you, asking questions, laughing and even inviting you to their group chats. In those moments not only did you return to learn, but you also returned and found your place.

Having a strong sense of belonging is the foundation to meaningful learning. When adult learners feel accepted, value and seen, they are more likely to engage fully with content and peers. This emotional connection to the learning environment fosters persistence, motivation and transformative growth, especially in diverse and multi-experienced classrooms.

Belonging matters because according to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, belongingness is on the same scale of basic physiological and safety needs. Until a learner feels emotionally secured and socially included, they are less likely to reach the self-actualization levels required for deep learning, creativity and personal development. In adult learner settings, many learners face language barriers, time constraints and even past trauma. Having a learning environment that fosters belonging is not just beneficial it is essential.

In Jack Mezirow's Transformative Learning Theory he emphasize that adults learn best when they engage in critical reflection. This is especially in the cases of disoriented experiences that challenge their assumptions and perspective. For this reflection to occur, learners have to feel safe, respected and value. This theory connects to belonging because it provides one with the psychological safety that is needed to take emotional risk such as sharing stories and even questioning their beliefs. When a learner is "allowed" to bring their ideas and life experiences it just affirms their value and relevance which is essential for transformative learning to take root. Having a sense of community encourages communication. When adult learners feel heard and supported they are more open to engage in challenging conversations that lead to personal growth.

On the other hand, Malcom Knowles proposed the idea that learners are self-directed and motivated by relevance and bring a wealth of life experiences into the learning environment. For an adult to share this experience they must see their input matters and their background is respected. Self-Concept is a central idea to andragogy. This is where learners feel that they are respected contributors to the learning process, the bein to view themselves as capable, competent and autonomous learners.

The activities that are embedded in this digital toolbox chosen with belonging in mind. The learning biography activity invites learners to share their stories, build mutual respect and recognition. The visual goal mapping activity helps students to visualize their place and path in the learning journey. Lastly connection circle is a great icebreaker that fosters immediate peer-to-peer interaction. This will reduce anxiety and promote inclusion. Creating activities with belonging in mind creates a welcoming and empowering learning atmosphere. This especially critical for adult learners juggling responsibilities outside the classroom. Just remember the scenario above highlights the emotional and social barriers many adult learners face. Even small gestures of connections can transform ones' learning experience.

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Getting families to share their languages and tradition creates a sense of community and connection for all students

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Building Belonging With Cultural Ambassadors