Classrooms are
diverse places. Students have different cultures, backgrounds,
abilities, and other characteristics.
Students often feel the strain of trying to fit
in at school, with different social cliques and groups forming and
disbanding as students move from one grade of school or one classroom to
the next. It is often the members of minority groups who feel the strain
of not belonging the most.
A new environment, such as a new classroom can
be especially daunting.
The core of a “safe place” culture in
the classroom equates to having positive relationships with others and
feeling committed to others through a shared interest or way of life.
Uncovering seemingly trivial similarities among students could help to
ease the strain of such worries.
This could be something small like a shared
interest as well as a shared culture or some other source of identity.
Introduction to
Sociology
Belonging to a
student-learning community can be the foundation of learning in
classroom.
Belonging is extremely important for many
elements of academic success including motivation and confidence.
Students are similar to one another and can help each other feel a sense
of belonging. This can not only undermine academic performance, but also
negatively impact health and well-being.
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