Dimensions of Difference, Sense of Belonging, and Fitting In: Tensions Around Developing Peer Groups, Student Body Diversity, and Academic Culture

Authors

  • Molly J. Dingel University of Minnesota Rochester Author
  • Starr K. Sage University of St. Thomas Author

Abstract

Many scholars have shown that students’ sense of belonging to a campus community is an important factor in their persistence at
that institution. One recommendation for developing students’ sense of belonging is creating learning communities (LCs). The authors ask how the formal structure of a LC facilitates or hampers academic and social integration. Qualitative interviews reveal that existing theory does account for both an increased sense of belonging in LCs, and the connected relationship between social and academic realms; however, it incompletely accounts for tensions arising from LCs.

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Published

2024-05-09