Literature Review #4

Seven Practices for Building Community and Student Belonging Virtually

 

About the Authors 

Justin Beauchamp is interning with Ithaka S+R’s Educational Transformation team. Currently, they are a PhD student in the sociology program at the CUNY Graduate Center. Justin worked professionally in higher education in student affairs. Justin compeleted Masters Degree at Bowling Green State University in college student personnel and Bachelors Degree at the University of Connecticut in social identity development. 

Emily Schwartz is an program manager in Ithaka S+R with the Educational Transformation team. Emily worked for the Strategic Education Research Partnership where she supported K-12 programs. She worked for the education office of Senate HELP commitee as a graduate in Washington DC. Emily completed her Master's Degree at Georgetown University in public policy and Bachelors Degree at College of William and Mary in government. 

Elizabeth Davidson Pisacreta is an associate director for policy and research at Ithaka S+R. Elizabeth focuses on increasing college access and success for low-income students. Elizabeth has a PhD from Columbia University in Economics and Education. Elizabeth completed her Master's Degree at University of Pennsylvania in urban education and Bachelors Degree at University of Georgia in economics. 

Citation 

Beauchamp, Justin, et al. "Seven Practices for Building Community and Student Belonging Virtually." Ithaka S+R. Ithaka S+R. 27 August 2020. Web. 19 April 2021. https://doi.org/10.18665/sr.313740

Summary

This article describes how universities are too focused on the transition that they forget that it is important for students to feel a sense of belonging. They talk about the 7 ways universities can help with this issue. First, is to meet the basic needs of the students such as, housing and food. Second, is to use communication platforms to communicate with their students. Third, is to create peer mentoring and leadership programs to develop a sense of community. Fourth, is to create an environment where students can share thier experiences and to support them. Fifth, is to support parents and families by providing appropriate tools and sources. Sixth, is to make sure that decisions are made by students. Seventh, is to demonstrate care and compassion. 

Key terms

Belonging - inclusion, connectedness, and integration in social, academic, and institutional dimensions

Social Capital - networks of relationship with people who live in society so that society functions effectively. 

Quotes

" As a result, many students, especially lower-income students and students of color, felt disconnected from their institutions and their peers, and voiced a need for additional communication and support, especially from financial aid and academic advising staff." 

" While outside the scope of this brief, faculty and academic affairs administrators should also provide opportunities to build a sense of community within virtual classrooms as well, leveraging the many pedagogical techniques at their disposal. " 

"The consequences of inaction or inadequacy are potentially dire: students who bear the greatest burden of the effects of the pandemic are at the greatest risk of feeling disconnected and dropping out." 

Value 

This article is extremely helpful because it is evidence against my counter-argument. I can include the fact that underrepresented communites like the first generation community needs to feel a sense of belonging during the pandemic. These are 7 ways universities and colleges can help first generation students during the pandemic.