Creating and Maintaining a Sense of Belonging in Your Courses

As we dive deeper into the semester, our focus naturally turns to our academic responsibilities – prioritizing our course maps, gradebooks, and research. But let’s not forget the real heart of it all: our students and how we can help them truly master new skillsets. Especially in the wild world of higher education, making an inclusive space is like adding a splash of color to your classroom canvas. No worries if you’re dealing with in-person, online, or hybrid classes – CELTT has some great strategies for you: 

1. Get to Know Your Students. 
   Peering beyond the digital avatars or physical seats, let’s unlock the secret to creating an engaging learning experience. It’s all about acknowledging the diverse strengths, experiences, and perspectives that each student brings to the table. By showing genuine interest in them as individuals, you’re laying the foundation for active participation and persistence, whether your class meets in the physical or virtual realm. Imagine using Canvas’s Discussion feature to give students a stage to introduce themselves through text, audio, or video – it’s like the virtual red carpet! And for those more intimate insights into your students’ needs, consider crafting a personalized, ungraded survey using the Quizzes feature. It’s like having a one-on-one coffee chat with each of them, minus the caffeine jitters.
2. Let Your Students Take the Lead.
   Picture this: students taking the driver’s seat in their learning journey. It’s not just daydream material – it’s the real deal! Shake things up with student-centered learning opportunities so they’re not just attendees, but active participants in real-world activities that align with their future goals. Including choices, challenges, collaboration, and reflection opportunities cultivates crucial 21st-century skills adaptable to both physical and virtual work environments. If you need a bit of inspiration, talk with Lauren Smedley and Jacob DeGeal, who are currently working with CELTT to create a student-centered project for a hybrid course taught within the MA in Integrated Design program! 
3. Leverage Technology to Foster Meaningful Connections.
   No matter how you feel about technology, we as professors are here to equip our students for the ever-evolving world of work. Today’s digital tools aren’t just for sharing cat pictures or videos (although we fully endorse the occasional feline-themed meme here and there); they can help you craft engaging content that grabs your students’ attention, whether you’re teaching on campus or online. Once you know how to use tools like Canvas and Zoom to their fullest potential, you can guide students through tech competency, monitor their progress, and offer timely support. This ultimately boost their confidence in the learning environment, in the course material, and in you as their mentor.
4. Give Feedback That Counts.
   Timely, specific, and constructive feedback on assignments and assessments supports students’ learning outcomes and motivation. Instead of the usual “Good job!” or “Needs work,” try giving feedback that helps them identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Try rubrics, comments, audio or video feedback, and self-assessment tools to provide consistent, personalized, and actionable insights, promoting a sense of value and encouragement. Canvas allows faculty to leave text, file, or media comments on assignments students have submitted; consider how you might be able to provide your students with more in-depth, meaningful feedback in a recording or with speech-to-text technology!

Remember, the University of Baltimore has a diverse student population, so making everyone feel welcome and part of the “hive” is incredibly important. It’s as key as making that perfect syllabus or setting up that cool project. The CELTT Team is always here to lend a hand with teaching, learning, and technology tips, so don’t be a stranger!