A Critical Turn in Understanding Belonging: An Ethnic Studies Curriculum

• In Event: Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: Social and Cultural Processes in Motivation Research

Abstract

Despite the essential role played by belonging in adolescent engagement/achievement, there is still much work to be done. Important insight occurred with the socio-cultural turn that has occurred in research and theory; harnessing students’ culture, identity, and voice, has brought a powerful addition to the study of belonging. Yet, many students still express a high degree of marginalization (lack of belonging) at school. This project employed an Ethnic Studies Curriculum in a 6th-grade language-arts class, to develop a critical consciousness about marginalization, and to learn-about/enact strategies to resist such situations. Students described a sense of “rightful presence,” which is the essence of belonging, as well as a sense of agency to resist marginalizations that challenge their (and others’) belonging.

Authors

• Beverly S. Faircloth, University of North Carolina - Greensboro

• Jill McClanahan, Guilford Middle School

• Kia Barrett, University of North Carolina at Greensboro