Sense of Place and Belonging: Lessons from the Pandemic

Abstract

This study investigates how students experienced a sense of place and a sense of belonging in both in-person and virtual learning environments by analyzing student interview data. As educators and university students grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we consider how students experience the presence and absence of sense of place and belonging, and how this could inform faculty and staff practices. We conclude by offering recommendations for university educators, with a particular focus on the benefits of building communities of practice.

Keywords

• pandemic learning
• remote learning
• in-person learning
• higher education
• communities of practice