Karen F Osterman. “Students’ need for belonging in the school community. ” Review of Educational Research 70.3 (2000): 323-367. ProQuest Education Journals, ProQuest. Web. 12 Apr. 2010.
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There are three questions framing this synthesis:
1. Is the sense of belonging important in an educational setting?
2. Do students experience themselves as members of a community?
3. How do schools influence students’ sense of community?
From the psychological perspective, students who experience acceptance feel more highly motivated and engaged in learning and more committed to school, which are closely linked to students performance and quality of learning. In addition, the sense of acceptance also affects the quality of relationships with others.
The research also tells us that conditions in the classroom and school influence students’ feelings about themselves and their personal identity. McMillan and Chavis (1986) or Furman (1998) identify the sense of belongingness as the essence of community.
Organizational practices and policies also affect the development of students’ sense of community. In general, interpersonal, instructional, and organizational strategies that support positive interaction among students and other members of the school community should enhance students’ sense of community.