The last blended learning designs asynchronous session from the May 2021 Lilly Conference online is entitled “International Graduate Students’ Sense of Campus Community and Belonging” was presented by Angel S. Forde from Michigan State University, a graduate student. Forde looks at how students navigate a sense of belonging as international students using the Sense of Community framework. Citing McMillan and Chavis 1986, Forde explained that the Sense of Community Framework has four elements: shared emotional connection, influence, integration and fulfillment of needs, and membership. Forde believes that sense of belonging should be a fifth element. Forde’s research focuses on what factors help international students develop a sense of belonging. Forde explained that a sense of belonging can be linked to outdoor activities that build a social support system. This improves their educational experience and productivity. Forde also explained that the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) posits that competence, autonomy, and relatedness are needed for engagement and motivation.
Forde’s research goal is to assess the sense of community and belonging among international graduate students and determine they needs. For this, Forde surveyed students about their sense of community and belonging and did focus groups. The representation of Ph.D. and M.S. students in the survey reflected the Michigan State University representation of graduate students. Also, Forde’s respondents ranged in age and year of program. Forde conducted a factor analysis of sense of belonging, and three factors emerged: departmental connection, departmental acceptance, and MSU connection. I was honestly surprised by the importance of being a member of departmental and the campus community. Outdoor activities mentioned by the respondents highlighted taking walks, biking, and going to playgrounds. Also, several of these activities had connections to departmental connection and acceptance or campus community. Forde mentioned that international students participating in these events often learn communication skills and are able to use these skills with peers in labs, for example. The majority of the respondents agreed that outdoor activities help develop a sense of community and belonging. I never thought fishing and outdoor activities (walks) would be so important for international graduate students and the development of a sense of community! Forde recommended reading Gardner 2008 “Fitting the mold of graduate school: A qualitative study of socialization in doctoral students.” Forde not only discussed the implications of the work; the connections to previous literature and studies were explained very clearly. What a neat project! I find these studies and the methods used very informative as they help us plan for future educational studies.
