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Fostering a Sense of Belonging in Your Academic Space

Friday, Dec. 13 2024

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Access the slides for today’s session!

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Dr. DaQuan K. Bashir ('20)

Assoc. Director, Human & Civil Rights, Equity, and Governance

New Jersey Education Association

Research & Innovation Consultant

Computer Science Teachers Association

Dual BA - Comp Sci

M. Sc - Higher Edu

Ed. D - Edu Leadership

email: bashirdaquan@gmail.com

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Objectives

Discuss the Five Areas of Belonging within a given classroom
Explore the meaning of cultural responsiveness and its importance to belonging in an academic setting
Share existing best practices regarding procedures, policies, or structures that promote belonging within your own spaces

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Agenda

Welcome (3mins)
Warm Up (7mins)
Introduction to The Five Areas of Belonging in the classroom (7mins)
Learning from Each Other (10mins)
What is Cultural Responsiveness in Education? (15mins)

Why is it important?
What does it look like in practice?

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Community Norms

Prioritize impact over intention.
Pay attention to self and others.
Step up and step back.
Speak your truth.
Be open to outcome.

Stay engaged.
Pause.
Paraphrase.
Put ideas on the table.

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“When students feel a sense of belonging in the classroom, it can increase their educational success and motivational outcomes in multiple ways, and educators can help create this feeling of belonging by building connections between classroom and community”.

- Dr. DeLeon Gray, Associate Professor of Educational Psychology and Equity, College of Education, NC State

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Warm Up - Think Back (Turn & Talk)

For the next 3 mins, with the person sitting next to you, discuss the following prompt:

Think back to a time where you felt like you belonged in an academic setting:

What made you feel like you belonged there?
How did the class feel?
Did the teacher do anything to help establish this feeling of belonging for you?

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Warm up Share out

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Q: What can we do to make sure that our students feel the same way?

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Belonging

Student

Choice

Assessment

Learning

Environment

Instruction

Student

Voice

The Five Areas of Belonging in the Classroom

Acknowledge & incorporate student perspectives

Empower ownership over learning

Setup & culture of the class

Teaching & planning w/ students in mind

Equitable measure of learning

Student voice in academia refers to the active participation, input, and influence of students in the decision-making processes, policies, and practices that affect their educational experience. This concept emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and incorporating the perspectives, experiences, and ideas of students into the academic environment, ranging from classroom dynamics to institutional governance.

Student choice in academia refers to the opportunities provided to students to make decisions about various aspects of their educational experience, empowering them to take ownership of their learning journey. This concept is grounded in the belief that when students are given the ability to choose, they are more engaged, motivated, and invested in their education.

Instruction in academia refers to the methods, strategies, and practices used by educators to facilitate learning and impart knowledge, skills, and values to students. It encompasses the entire process of teaching, including the planning, delivery, assessment, and refinement of educational activities.

Assessment in academia refers to the systematic process of evaluating, measuring, and documenting students' knowledge, skills, attitudes, and understanding of course content. It is an essential component of the educational process, providing feedback to both students and educators about the effectiveness of instruction and the extent of learning that has occurred.

Learning environment in academia refers to the physical, psychological, and social conditions in which learning takes place. It encompasses the various elements that influence students' ability to engage with content, interact with peers and instructors, and achieve academic success. A well-designed learning environment supports student growth, fosters engagement, and enhances the overall educational experience.

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Learning from Each Other (Think & Share)

What actions are you already doing that might align with fostering a sense of belonging in one of the five belonging areas stated previously?

Think: Take 3 mins to silently think about a response to the prompt (feel free to jot your response down if you’d like)
Share: We will share some responses whole group to learn from our colleagues

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Defining Culturally Responsive Teaching

Based on Gloria Ladson-Billings’ 1994 culturally relevant pedagogy framework, culturally responsive teaching refers to an approach to teaching and learning that facilitates the achievement of all students by recognizing that culture is a powerful force in shaping how we see ourselves and the world around us. (The National Equity Project, nd)

This means using students’ customs, characteristics, experience, and perspectives as tools for better classroom instruction. The term was coined by researcher Geneva Gay in 2000, who wrote that “when academic knowledge and skills are situated within the lived experiences and frames of reference for students, they are more personally meaningful, have higher interest appeal, and are learned more easily and thoroughly. (Will & Najarro, 2022)

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What Culturally Responsive Teaching IS / IS NOT

Culturally responsive teaching is:

a bridge between home and school life,

affirming of students’ history and culture, and

centering student voices and learning styles in all lessons and classroom experiences.

Culturally responsive teaching is not:

confusing race and culture as being the same thing,

only about motivating students of color,

relying on a single method to engage students within the lesson,

mastering the details of every culture, and

just adding Black (or other groups’) history to the curriculum.

(The National Equity Project, nd.)

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Q: How does culturally responsive teaching practices within the five belonging areas look in a CS classroom?

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Student Voice

Utilizing student voice to foster a sense of belonging involves actively engaging students in shaping their learning environment and making them feel valued and heard.

Solicit and Act on Student Feedback Regular Surveys Feedback Sessions Incorporate Student Interests and Perspectives Flexible Curriculum Student-Led Discussions Promote Student Choice in Assignments Varied Assessment Options Personal Relevance: Encourage Peer Collaboration and Input Group Projects Peer Review	Create a Responsive Learning Environment Adaptive Teaching Support Systems Foster Open Communication Open Door Policy Active Listening Build a Community of Learners Community-Building Activities Celebrate Contributions Reflect and Iterate Reflective Practices Iterative Changes

Utilizing student voice to foster a sense of belonging involves actively engaging students in shaping their learning environment and making them feel valued and heard. Here are several ways a professor can achieve this:

1. Solicit and Act on Student Feedback

Regular Surveys: Conduct anonymous surveys or feedback forms to gather students’ opinions on various aspects of the course, including the learning environment, course content, and teaching methods. Use this feedback to make adjustments that reflect students’ needs and preferences.
Feedback Sessions: Hold regular check-ins or focus groups where students can discuss their experiences and suggest improvements. Make sure to follow up on how their feedback is being used to enhance the course.

2. Incorporate Student Interests and Perspectives

Flexible Curriculum: Allow students to suggest topics or areas of focus for projects, discussions, or readings. This can make the course content more relevant and engaging for them.
Student-Led Discussions: Give students the opportunity to lead discussions or present on topics of their choice related to the course material, encouraging them to share their unique perspectives and expertise.

3. Promote Student Choice in Assignments

Varied Assessment Options: Offer different types of assignments or projects that cater to diverse learning styles and interests. For example, students might choose between a traditional research paper, a creative project, or a presentation.
Personal Relevance: Allow students to select assignment topics that align with their personal or professional interests, which can enhance their motivation and sense of connection to the material.

4. Encourage Peer Collaboration and Input

Group Projects: Structure group work to encourage collaboration and input from all members. Rotate group roles and responsibilities to ensure that everyone has a chance to contribute and be heard.
Peer Review: Implement peer review processes where students can provide and receive feedback on each other’s work. This fosters a collaborative learning environment and values students’ insights.

5. Create a Responsive Learning Environment

Adaptive Teaching: Be open to adapting your teaching methods based on student feedback and needs. If students express a preference for a certain type of learning activity or format, consider incorporating it into your teaching.
Support Systems: Use student feedback to identify and address any barriers or challenges they might be facing, and provide additional support or resources as needed.

6. Foster Open Communication

Open Door Policy: Maintain an open-door policy or regular office hours where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Show that you value their input and are available to discuss any issues.
Active Listening: Practice active listening during class discussions and individual interactions. Validate students’ contributions and show that their voices are heard and respected.

7. Build a Community of Learners

Community-Building Activities: Organize activities that help students get to know each other and build a sense of community, such as icebreakers, group projects, or collaborative problem-solving tasks.
Celebrate Contributions: Recognize and celebrate students’ achievements and contributions to the class. Highlighting individual and group successes can reinforce their sense of belonging.

8. Reflect and Iterate

Reflective Practices: Encourage students to reflect on their own learning experiences and how they feel about their involvement in the class. Use this reflection to continuously improve the learning environment.
Iterative Changes: Make iterative changes based on student feedback and experiences, showing that their input leads to tangible improvements in the course.

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Student Choice

Utilizing student choice to foster a sense of belonging in a higher education classroom involves giving students agency over their learning experiences, which can enhance their engagement, motivation, and connection to the course.

Offer Varied Assessment Options Multiple Assignment Formats Choice of Topics Incorporate Flexible Deadlines and Requirements Staggered Deadlines Adaptive Requirements Encourage Student-Led Learning Activities Student-Led Discussions Peer Teaching Provide Choice in Learning Materials and Resources Diverse Reading Lists Resource Options	Facilitate Student-Driven Projects and Research Independent Projects Project Proposals Incorporate Choice in Participation and Engagement Discussion Formats Engagement Activities Encourage Self-Directed Learning Personal Learning Goals Reflective Practices

Utilizing student choice to foster a sense of belonging in a higher education classroom involves giving students agency over their learning experiences, which can enhance their engagement, motivation, and connection to the course. Here’s how a professor can implement student choice to build a more inclusive and supportive learning environment:

1. Offer Varied Assessment Options

Multiple Assignment Formats: Provide students with choices for how they complete assignments. For example, allow them to choose between writing a research paper, creating a multimedia project, or giving a presentation. This flexibility enables students to select the format that best aligns with their strengths and interests.
Choice of Topics: Let students select topics for their assignments or projects that resonate with their personal or professional interests. This relevance can increase their investment in the work and their sense of ownership over their learning.

2. Incorporate Flexible Deadlines and Requirements

Staggered Deadlines: Offer flexible deadlines or the option to submit work at different stages. This can help students manage their time more effectively and reduce stress, particularly for those balancing multiple responsibilities.
Adaptive Requirements: Allow for adjustments in assignment requirements based on individual needs or circumstances. For instance, students who are more comfortable with oral presentations might have the option to present their findings instead of writing a traditional report.

3. Encourage Student-Led Learning Activities

Student-Led Discussions: Allow students to choose and lead discussions on topics of interest within the course. This not only gives them a sense of ownership but also encourages them to engage more deeply with the material.
Peer Teaching: Implement opportunities for students to teach or present on specific topics to the class. This empowers students to share their expertise and perspectives, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive learning environment.

4. Provide Choice in Learning Materials and Resources

Diverse Reading Lists: Offer a range of reading materials and resources that cover different perspectives and areas of interest. Allow students to select readings that appeal to their interests or relate to their personal experiences.
Resource Options: Provide access to various types of learning resources, such as videos, articles, podcasts, and interactive tools, and let students choose the ones that best support their learning style.

5. Facilitate Student-Driven Projects and Research

Independent Projects: Encourage students to pursue independent projects or research that align with their interests and career goals. This can include developing a proposal, conducting research, or creating a portfolio related to their field of study.
Project Proposals: Allow students to propose their own project ideas and get approval for topics or methods that interest them. This autonomy can enhance their sense of agency and relevance in their work.

6. Incorporate Choice in Participation and Engagement

Discussion Formats: Offer different ways for students to participate in class discussions, such as through online forums, group discussions, or individual reflection. This flexibility can accommodate various comfort levels and learning preferences.
Engagement Activities: Provide options for how students engage with course material, such as through group work, solo activities, or interactive simulations. This can help cater to different learning styles and promote a sense of belonging.

7. Encourage Self-Directed Learning

Personal Learning Goals: Have students set their own learning goals and objectives for the course. Support them in developing a plan to achieve these goals, which can increase their motivation and sense of responsibility.
Reflective Practices: Integrate reflective activities where students assess their own progress and choices. Encourage them to reflect on how their decisions and preferences have influenced their learning experience.

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Instruction

To foster a sense of belonging within the higher education classroom through instruction, a professor can implement various strategies that create an inclusive, supportive, and engaging learning environment.

Create an Inclusive Learning Environment Establish Classroom Norms Inclusive Language and Materials Engage Students in the Learning Process Active Learning Student-Centered Teaching Encourage Student Voice and Choice Solicit Input Offer Choices Build Strong Relationships Personal Connections Office Hours and Support	Facilitate Collaborative Learning Group Work Peer Feedback Promote a Growth Mindset Encourage Resilience Celebrate Effort and Improvement Create Opportunities for Reflection and Self-Assessment Reflective Activities Self-Assessment Foster a Supportive Community Classroom Community Building Support Networks

To foster a sense of belonging within the higher education classroom through instruction, a professor can implement various strategies that create an inclusive, supportive, and engaging learning environment. Here are key approaches to achieve this:

1. Create an Inclusive Learning Environment

Establish Classroom Norms: Set clear expectations for respect and inclusivity at the beginning of the course. Develop classroom norms that promote open dialogue, respect for diverse viewpoints, and collaborative learning.
Inclusive Language and Materials: Use language and examples that reflect diverse cultures, identities, and experiences. Ensure that course materials, such as textbooks and case studies, include a variety of perspectives.

2. Engage Students in the Learning Process

Active Learning: Incorporate active learning strategies, such as group discussions, case studies, and problem-solving activities, to encourage student participation and interaction. This helps students feel more involved and connected to the material and their peers.
Student-Centered Teaching: Tailor instruction to address the diverse learning styles and needs of students. Use a variety of teaching methods, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic approaches, to engage different types of learners.

3. Encourage Student Voice and Choice

Solicit Input: Regularly ask for student feedback on course content, teaching methods, and classroom dynamics. Show that you value their opinions by making adjustments based on their suggestions.
Offer Choices: Provide options for assignments, projects, and participation methods. Allow students to select topics or formats that align with their interests and strengths.

4. Build Strong Relationships

Personal Connections: Take the time to learn students' names and backgrounds. Show genuine interest in their academic and personal goals. Personalized interactions help students feel recognized and valued.
Office Hours and Support: Make yourself available through office hours, one-on-one meetings, and email to provide academic support and address any concerns students might have.

5. Facilitate Collaborative Learning

Group Work: Design assignments that require collaboration and teamwork. Encourage students to work together on projects, presentations, or problem-solving tasks. This builds a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Peer Feedback: Incorporate peer review or feedback activities where students can provide constructive criticism and support to each other. This helps students learn from their peers and feel more connected.

6. Promote a Growth Mindset

Encourage Resilience: Foster a growth mindset by emphasizing that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning. Encourage students to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than as obstacles.
Celebrate Effort and Improvement: Recognize and celebrate students’ efforts and progress, not just their final achievements. Acknowledging their hard work and improvements reinforces their sense of belonging and accomplishment.

7. Create Opportunities for Reflection and Self-Assessment

Reflective Activities: Incorporate regular opportunities for students to reflect on their learning experiences, goals, and progress. Reflective activities help students connect their personal experiences with the course content.
Self-Assessment: Allow students to assess their own work and progress. Self-assessment encourages students to take ownership of their learning and gain insight into their strengths and areas for improvement.

8. Foster a Supportive Community

Classroom Community Building: Organize activities that build a sense of community, such as team-building exercises, social events, or collaborative projects. These activities help students form connections with each other.
Support Networks: Encourage students to form study groups or connect with campus resources, such as tutoring centers or counseling services. Building a support network helps students feel more integrated and supported.

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Learning Environment

Fostering a sense of belonging in the higher education classroom is crucial for enhancing student engagement, retention, and overall well-being.

Create an Inclusive Classroom Culture Welcome and Engage Students Celebrate Diversity Design a Supportive Physical and Virtual Space Inclusive Physical Environment Accessible and Welcoming Online Spaces Promote Active Participation and Engagement Encourage Diverse Contributions Recognize Efforts Build Strong Student-Teacher Relationships Be Approachable and Available Provide Individual Support	Foster a Collaborative Learning Environment Group Work and Team Projects Peer Mentoring Incorporate Student Feedback Regular Check-Ins Responsive Adjustments Promote Equity and Fairness Address Bias and Microaggressions Equal Opportunities Integrate Real-World Connections Relate Material to Students' Lives Involve Community Partners

Fostering a sense of belonging in the higher education classroom is crucial for enhancing student engagement, retention, and overall well-being. Here’s how a professor can utilize the learning environment to cultivate this sense of belonging:

1. Create an Inclusive Classroom Culture

Welcome and Engage: Begin the semester with activities that help students get to know each other and build connections. Icebreakers, personal introductions, and group discussions about common interests can help students feel more comfortable and integrated.
Celebrate Diversity: Acknowledge and celebrate the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of students through classroom activities, guest speakers, and curriculum content. Recognize various cultural holidays, traditions, and contributions.

2. Design a Supportive Physical and Virtual Space

Inclusive Physical Environment: Arrange the classroom to encourage interaction and collaboration. For instance, seating arrangements that facilitate group work and open communication can help students feel more connected.
Accessible and Welcoming Online Spaces: For virtual or hybrid classes, ensure that online platforms are user-friendly and inclusive. Use features like discussion boards, breakout rooms, and collaborative documents to create a sense of community.

3. Promote Active Participation and Engagement

Encourage Diverse Contributions: Create opportunities for all students to share their perspectives and experiences. Use diverse discussion formats, such as small group discussions, peer reviews, and class polls, to involve everyone.
Recognize Efforts: Acknowledge and celebrate contributions and achievements, both big and small. Positive reinforcement and feedback can make students feel valued and supported.

4. Build Strong Student-Teacher Relationships

Be Approachable and Available: Show genuine interest in students' academic and personal lives. Maintain open lines of communication through office hours, emails, and informal check-ins.
Provide Individual Support: Offer tailored support to students who may need additional help, whether through academic advising, mentorship, or connecting them with campus resources.

5. Foster a Collaborative Learning Environment

Group Work and Team Projects: Incorporate group work that allows students to collaborate and build relationships with their peers. Assign roles and responsibilities that promote cooperation and ensure all voices are heard.
Peer Mentoring: Facilitate peer mentoring or study groups where students can support each other academically and socially.

6. Incorporate Student Feedback

Regular Check-Ins: Conduct regular surveys or feedback sessions to gauge how students are feeling about the course environment and their sense of belonging. Use this feedback to make adjustments and address any concerns.
Responsive Adjustments: Be willing to adapt your teaching methods and classroom dynamics based on student input to create a more inclusive and supportive environment.

7. Promote Equity and Fairness

Address Bias and Microaggressions: Actively work to identify and address any bias or microaggressions in the classroom. Create a clear policy on respectful behavior and ensure that all students feel safe and valued.
Equal Opportunities: Ensure that all students have equal access to resources, support, and opportunities within the course.

8. Integrate Real-World Connections

Relate Material to Students' Lives: Connect course content to real-world issues and students’ personal experiences. This can make learning more relevant and engaging, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging.
Involve Community Partners: Bring in community partners or professionals to provide students with a broader perspective on how their studies apply in various contexts.

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Assessment

Utilizing assessments to foster a sense of belonging within the higher education classroom involves designing and implementing evaluation methods that support diverse student needs, encourage engagement, and create an inclusive learning environment.

Design Inclusive and Diverse Assessments Offer Multiple Assessment Formats Include Diverse Perspectives Promote Student Choice and Agency Choice in Topics Flexible Deadlines Encourage Collaborative Assessments Group Projects Peer Review Provide Constructive and Timely Feedback Timely Feedback Encourage Reflection	Implement Formative Assessments Frequent Check-Ins Low-Stakes Assessments Incorporate Self-Assessment and Goal Setting Self-Assessment Personal Goals Create a Supportive Assessment Culture Transparent Criteria Encourage Questions Recognize and Celebrate Achievements Celebrate Successes Showcase Work

Utilizing assessments to foster a sense of belonging within the higher education classroom involves designing and implementing evaluation methods that support diverse student needs, encourage engagement, and create an inclusive learning environment. Here’s how a professor can achieve this:

1. Design Inclusive and Diverse Assessments

Offer Multiple Assessment Formats: Provide students with options for demonstrating their understanding, such as written papers, presentations, creative projects, or digital media. This allows students to choose formats that align with their strengths and interests, making them feel more included.
Include Diverse Perspectives: Ensure that assessment tasks and content reflect a variety of perspectives and experiences. For instance, include case studies, examples, and scenarios from different cultures and backgrounds to make the assessments more relevant to all students.

2. Promote Student Choice and Agency

Choice in Topics: Allow students to select topics for assignments or projects that resonate with their personal interests or career goals. This enhances their engagement and investment in the work.
Flexible Deadlines: Provide options for flexible deadlines or staggered submission dates to accommodate students’ varying schedules and personal circumstances, helping them manage their time effectively.

3. Encourage Collaborative Assessments

Group Projects: Design assessments that involve group work, where students collaborate on projects or presentations. Group work fosters teamwork, communication, and a sense of community among students.
Peer Review: Incorporate peer review processes where students evaluate each other’s work. This encourages constructive feedback, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

4. Provide Constructive and Timely Feedback

Timely Feedback: Offer timely and specific feedback on assessments to help students understand their strengths and areas for improvement. Constructive feedback supports their learning and development, reinforcing their sense of belonging and progress.
Encourage Reflection: Include opportunities for students to reflect on their feedback and progress. Reflective activities can help students connect feedback to their learning and growth, fostering a sense of achievement and belonging.

5. Implement Formative Assessments

Frequent Check-Ins: Use formative assessments, such as quizzes, polls, or short reflections, to regularly check student understanding and provide feedback. This approach helps students feel supported throughout the learning process and gives them a sense of continuous progress.
Low-Stakes Assessments: Incorporate low-stakes assessments that allow students to demonstrate their understanding without high pressure. This can reduce anxiety and encourage participation, fostering a more supportive learning environment.

6. Incorporate Self-Assessment and Goal Setting

Self-Assessment: Encourage students to assess their own work and learning progress. Self-assessment helps students take ownership of their learning and can improve their sense of efficacy and belonging.
Personal Goals: Have students set personal learning goals and track their progress. This can increase their motivation and engagement by connecting assessments to their individual aspirations and achievements.

7. Create a Supportive Assessment Culture

Transparent Criteria: Clearly communicate assessment criteria and expectations to students. Transparency helps students understand what is required and reduces anxiety about assessments.
Encourage Questions: Create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions about assessments and grading. This openness can alleviate concerns and foster a supportive atmosphere.

8. Recognize and Celebrate Achievements

Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate students’ accomplishments and improvements, both individually and collectively. Recognizing their achievements can enhance their sense of belonging and motivation.
Showcase Work: Provide opportunities for students to showcase their work, such as through presentations, exhibitions, or class discussions. This can build a sense of pride and community among students.

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“We want to cultivate a young people who, across the course of their lifetimes, will disrupt, disquiet, or unhinge oppression.”

~Dr. Gholdy Muhammad

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References

Bowen, J. (2021). Why is it Important for Students to Feel a Sense of Belonging at School? ‘Students Choose to be in Environments That Make Them Feel a Sense of Fit,’ Says Associate Professor DeLeon Gray. https://ced.ncsu.edu/news/2021/10/21/why-is-it-important-for-students-to-feel-a-sense-of-belonging-at-school-students-choose-to-be-in-environments-that-make-them-feel-a-sense-of-fit-says-associate-professor-deleon-gra/

Larke, P. (2013). Culturally Responsive Teaching in Higher Education: What Professors Need to Know. Counterpoints, 391, 38–50. http://www.jstor.org/stable/42981435

The National Equity Project. (nd.) Culturally Responsive Teaching. https://www.nationalequityproject.org/culturally-responsive-teaching#:~:text=Based%20on%20Gloria%20Ladson%2DBillings,and%20the%20world%20around%20us.

Will, M. & Najarro, I. (2022). What Is Culturally Responsive Teaching? https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/culturally-responsive-teaching-culturally-responsive-pedagogy/2022/04