3.9 Sense of Belonging: Pause & Reflect by

innovativepedagogy1 — 2024-01-30 17:50:10 UTC

Use the following questions to reflect and post your reflection.

What are some of the strategies discussed in this module that you already use to connect with your students?
What is something new that you were introduced to?
What are some concerns you may have about creating a sense of belonging now that you’ve learned what it could encompass?

-- Please sign your name to your post, so we can respond to you! After sharing your reflection, take a moment to read others’ posts and respond to two of your peers with a comment.

Sense of Belonging in the classroom

2024-03-26 16:28:15 UTC

As support staff to students and educators, I have observed students appear to have a stronger sense of belonging when they have a strong cohesive relationship as a class. Our eductors cultivate this with icebreakers at the beginning of the semester, group work throughout the semester and written and reading assignments that students can personally relate to. Eductors also encourage students to create Whatsapp groups (without the educator) to foster a supportive and collegial communication.
I loved the suggestion of student video submissions.
I can't think of any concerns that educators would have about creating a sense of belonging. It all seems positive and productive.

Creating and Maintaining a Sense of Belonging

2024-03-31 14:14:23 UTC

I have used all three connection, communication, and community strategies to create and maintain a sense of belonging for all students in my courses. Additionally, I have intentionally been applying my foreign language skills and empathy to support LGBTQ+ students, English language learners, and non-traditional (older) students who oftentimes face tremendous challenges in their efforts to fit in and be valued, respected, accepted, and supported in the wider college campus. Moreover, I use active listening techniques during classroom discussions and create a safe environment for my students to express their views openly and respectfully. Furthermore, I create opportunities for my students to do group projects involving 3-4 participants, ask them permission to share the artifacts they created as teaching tools, celebrate their accomplishments, grant them time extensions when they ask, and continually assess their work and encourage them to do their best (i.e., Kudos to you; terrific job; keep up the good work). Simple things like these seem to lower anxiety while also helping my students feel a sense of belonging in our classes. I am, therefore, intent on expanding these repertoires to foster a greater affinity and reinforce connections with my students.

2024-06-05 15:26:08 UTC

Some strategies I already use include welcome videos, icebreakers, games, introductory letters, and many metacognitive exercises during the semester.
I like Dr. Corona's idea of a letter as a final exam. I want to try that and feel would be a good way to finish the semester.
I appreciate that sense of belonging is difficult for everyone. The article on "Academic Belonging" got me thinking about messages which relate to specific backgrounds and more universal messages too. I'm not sure yet about the takeaway from the article.