Cultivating a Sense of Belonging

Create a Supportive Climate

One of the obstacles instructors face includes discovering where students may be struggling with course content or concepts. This is due in part to a lack of communication on the part of the students.

Their reluctance to ask questions is multifaceted. Students may not seek help because they have not connected why the course is relevant within their chosen disciplines, or they may hesitate to reach out for help because they do not want to seem “dumb” or to feel “stupid” in front of their peers or to their course instructors.

To encourage curiosity and inquiry, strategically build a sense of belonging into the course.  Current research reveals a direct link between the sense of belonging students experience and their persistence in their courses. To build a sense of community:

• Ask for and use students’ preferred pronouns and names.
• Acknowledge and support diversity.
• Promote consistent communication both inside and outside of the classroom.
  • Encourage participation and invite questions.
  • Provide a means for less outgoing students to ask questions.
  • State the most effective communication method to reach you with after class.
  • Send announcements or emails to your students throughout the semester.
• Create opportunities for collaboration and knowledge or skill sharing.