Blank Space (small)
(text and background only visible when logged in)

This study examined how graduate students’ sense of belonging reflected their cognitive and affective experiences and their discursive engagement in three classroom discussion environments: face-to-face, and synchronous and asynchronous computer-mediated discussions. Self-report surveys at mid-semester identified higher and lower belongingness students. Mid-semester and end-of-semester ratings allowed exploration of cognitive/affective factors. Online discussion transcripts were analyzed to determine how higher-belonging and lower-belonging students used the pronoun We, with codings ranging from close (immediate) to more distant connections (far generic). Findings were that higher-belonging students reported higher levels of enjoyment, usefulness, and involvement. Lower-belonging students expressed sensitivities to peer judgment. As for their discourse, higher-belonging students posted more We instances than lower-belonging students in both online discussion formats. In synchronous discussions, higher-belonging students used more immediate We pronouns, whereas lower-belonging students used more far generic We. Understanding students’ experiences may aid educators in designing classroom discussion that supports learning and social-emotional well-being.

Reference

Linguistics and Education, 73, 101142.

Zengilowski, A., Lee, J., Gaines, R. E., Park, H., Choi, E., & Schallert, D. L. (2023).