The Role of Instructors in Fostering a Sense of Belonging for NHPI (Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander) University Students

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 9:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: The Importance of Equity-Centeredness in K–12 and Higher Education Institutions (Table 24)

Abstract

This qualitative study explores what Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander college students say their university instructors do to foster a sense of belonging for them at school. Eighteen focus groups were conducted with 97 NHPI students attending one private university in the Pacific. Findings reveal two main categories of instructor moves – instructional and relational – that students say fostered a sense of belonging for them, with many students noting that instructional moves were also experienced as relational. Participants reported that relational moves increased motivation for academic achievement and persistence to complete college. This study contributes to the literature concerning NHPI perspectives on school belonging, with implications for institutions of higher education seeking to create spaces of belonging for NHPI students.

Authors

• Kehaulani Ten Oi Oleole Malzl, Brigham Young University

• Grace Taito Tora, Pacific Theological College, Fiji

• Erika Feinauer, Brigham Young University