From Exclusion to Empowerment: College Student Perceptions of Un/Belonging and Next-Generation Pedagogies for Inclusion

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 2:30 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Repairing Stress and Harm Through the Practice of Centering Well-Being and Sense of Belonging (Table 2)

Abstract

This study investigated students’ (N= 66) sense of belonging and belonging uncertainty within a college at a large, research university. A sub-sample (N=22) participated in 12 focus groups to deepen the understanding of how student belonging could be supported. Results indicated that while most students felt connected to supportive faculty and staff, over half of them did not feel a deep sense of belonging. This research suggests that not only do students’ social identities play a significant role in what they perceive as threats to their belonging, but also students’ sense of belonging is constantly in flux. Implications suggest that faculty and staff play a critical role in regulating students’ sense of belonging through relationships, classroom pedagogies, and curricular inclusivity.

Authors

• Eric R. Junco, Northern Illinois University

• David A. Walker, Northern Illinois University