Belonging Resources
These resources offer diverse perspectives on the importance of belonging in higher education, providing valuable insights for educators, administrators, and policymakers committed to fostering student success.
Scholarly Resources on Belonging
- Tinto’s Model of Student Retention (1993) – Tinto’s foundational research emphasizes that student retention is deeply influenced by academic and social integration. Institutions that foster meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff see improved persistence rates.
- Strayhorn’s Work on Sense of Belonging (2012) – Strayhorn argues that belonging is a fundamental human need and plays a crucial role in students’ motivation and engagement. His research indicates that students from marginalized backgrounds, in particular, benefit from intentional community-building efforts.
- Findings from MIT’s Teaching + Learning Lab – Research from the MIT Teaching + Learning Lab highlights the importance of classroom climate and inclusive pedagogy in fostering a sense of belonging. This study underscores that faculty interactions and course structure significantly impact students’ ability to see themselves as valued members of the learning community.
Vincent Tinto
Vincent Tinto, a distinguished professor emeritus at Syracuse University, who has extensively explored the significance of belonging in student retention.
Article: "Reflections: Rethinking Engagement and Student Persistence" (2023)
In this reflective piece, Vincent Tinto examines the role of social networks in fostering student engagement and persistence. He emphasizes that while engagement is crucial, the nature and perception of that engagement significantly influences student success. Tinto discusses how different forms of social networks—tight or loose, dense or sparse—can lead to varied outcomes for students. He also highlights the importance of understanding the formation of these networks, especially in online settings, and the need for institutions to actively foster productive networks within their spheres of influence.
Podcast: "Office Hours with John Gardner – Episode 37: Promoting Student Persistence"
In this episode, John Gardner interviews Vincent Tinto about strategies to enhance student persistence in higher education. They delve into the importance of creating supportive learning environments and the role of faculty in fostering student engagement and belonging.
Video: "Dr. Vincent Tinto: Looking Through the Eyes of Students to Foster Student Success"
In this presentation, Dr. Tinto discusses the importance of understanding student perspectives to enhance their sense of belonging and improve retention rates. He emphasizes creating supportive educational environments that resonate with students' experiences.
Book: "Leaving College: Rethinking the Causes and Cures of Student Attrition"
In this seminal work, Dr. Tinto synthesizes extensive research on student attrition, presenting a comprehensive model that highlights the significance of academic and social integration in fostering a sense of belonging. He provides actionable recommendations for institutions aiming to improve student retention.
Terrell Strayhorn
Terrell Strayhorn, a renowned scholar in higher education, has also made significant contributions to understanding the role of belonging in student success.
Article: "Workplace Belonging in Higher Education" (2023)
In this article, Dr. Strayhorn discusses the importance of fostering a sense of belonging among faculty and staff in higher education institutions. He emphasizes that when educators feel connected and valued, it enhances their well-being and, in turn, positively impacts student success.
Podcast: "The Power of Belonging: Dr. Terrell Strayhorn on the Key to Student Success"
In this episode, Dr. Strayhorn explores the concept of belonging in educational contexts, discussing its impact on student success and offering insights into how institutions can cultivate environments where all students feel valued and included.
Video: "Dr. Terrell Strayhorn on the Key to Student Success"
In this video, Dr. Strayhorn discusses the critical role of belonging in student achievement. He explains how a strong sense of belonging can enhance motivation, engagement, and overall success for students in higher education.
Book: "College Students' Sense of Belonging: A Key to Educational Success for All Students"
In this comprehensive book, Dr. Strayhorn examines the concept of belonging and its vital role in student success. He provides research-based insights and practical recommendations for educators and institutions aiming to foster inclusive and supportive learning environments.