ON DISCOVERING AND PROFITING FROM THE SENSE OF BELONGING LITERATURE

Abstract

A sense of belonging (SoB) is a recognised and valued concept in education, associated with increased student attainment, improved learners' satisfaction and lowered attrition rates. Some scholars even assert that learners are unable to fulfil the goals of higher education without first having acquired a SoB. I am suggesting that a SoB should be generated purposefully in any online learning environment, to address learners' welldocumented feelings of isolation, marginalisation, alienation and loneliness. I explore a definition of this concept and then summarise what I have found in the work of researchers who consider it important that their learners develop a sense of belonging. Thereafter, I outline the principal features which contribute to a learner's sense of belonging, and what is known of how they are promoted (or frustrated) by institution, course teams or individual tutors. Finally, I indicate the immediate priorities for teachers like myself who wish to promote and evaluate a sense of belonging for their learners in their own context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]