Topics Map > Inclusive Teaching > Belonging & Wellness
Elements of a Sense of Belonging
Elements that contribute to a sense of belonging for students in the classroom
Results from article:
Freeman, T. M., Anderman, L. H., & Jensen, J. M. (2007). Sense of belonging in college freshmen at the classroom and campus levels. The Journal of Experimental Education, 75(3), 203-220.
| Item | General Sense of Belonging | Teacher Support | Peer Acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor warmth and openness This scale measured students’ perceptions of their instructors’ underlying teaching approaches and demeanors. |
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| The instructor gives good examples of concepts. | .79 | ||
| Rate the instructor's general teaching effectiveness for you. | .76 | ||
| The instructor is friendly. | .73 | .39 | |
| The instructor established a climate in the class that is conducive to learning | .71 | .31 | |
| The instructor is enthusiastic. | .70 | ||
| The instructor encourages the class to ask questions and share viewpoints. | .69 | .34 | |
| The instructor seems knowledgeable in many areas. | .68 | ||
| The instructor is helpful when students are confused. | .67 | ||
| The instructor displays openness to other viewpoints and ideas. | .60 | .39 | .33 |
| The instructor shares personal experiences and opinions with students that are relevant to course content. | .59 | .34 | |
| Instructor encouragement of student participation This scale measured students’ perceptions that their instructors encouraged class members to participate in class discussions during class. |
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| Students discuss one another's ideas. | .86 | ||
| Students feel free to disagree with the instructor. | .31 | .76 | |
| Students volunteer their own opinions. | .31 | .75 | |
| The instructor tells students when they have done a particularly good job. | .56 | .36 | |
| The instructor knows students' names. | .55 | ||
| Instructor organization This scale measured students’ perceptions of their instructors’ preparedness for class activities. |
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| The instructor follows an outline closely. | .68 | ||
| Tests and papers are graded and returned promptly. | .68 | ||
| The instructor keeps students informed of their progress. | .31 | .64 | |
| The instructor plans class activities in detail. | .31 | .55 | |
| Note: Items were answered on a 5-point scale from 1 (almost never) to 5 (almost always/a great deal) Only factors loading > .30 are included. | |||