Fostering Belonging and Engagement in Higher Education

Host: Helen Ritmer

Guest: Caroline Cooke, Deputy Director Library Services, Royal Holloway University of London

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of Lead with Kindness, host Helen Ritmer welcomes Caroline Cooke, the Deputy Director of Library Services at Royal Holloway University of London. With a rich background in education and student engagement, Caroline shares her insights on the crucial role of belonging in higher education and its profound impact on student success and well-being.

Key Discussion Points:

* Introduction to Caroline Cooke:

* Caroline’s diverse career path, from teaching at various levels to becoming a librarian and a meditation teacher.

* Her passion for education and creating supportive learning environments.

* Importance of Belonging in Higher Education:

* Discussion on how a sense of belonging is a fundamental human need.

* The impact of belonging on student engagement, motivation, and overall success.

* Caroline’s insights on the psychological safety that comes with belonging, fostering a conducive environment for learning and growth.

* Practical Strategies for Enhancing Belonging:

* Caroline’s dissertation on belonging during COVID-19 and the development of a framework to support student belonging.

* Key strategies such as creating small, enduring groups (proximal affiliations), fostering an inclusive culture where students feel they matter, and ensuring clarity in their educational journey (cognitive mapping).

* Challenges in Fostering Belonging:

* The complexities of understanding and measuring belonging.

* The necessity of tailoring approaches to different student demographics and needs.

* The importance of student voices in shaping policies and practices.

* Role of Libraries in Student Engagement:

* How libraries serve as hubs of support and inclusion in universities.

* Initiatives like well-being zones and dedicated spaces for neurodiverse students.

* The role of libraries in promoting other university services and ensuring an equitable educational environment.

* Impact of the Pandemic on Student Belonging:

* Shifts in student engagement due to the pandemic and ongoing challenges like the cost of living crisis.

* The importance of continuously adapting services to meet evolving student needs.

* Future Trends in Student Engagement and Belonging:

* Potential shifts in higher education policies and practices.

* The importance of collaboration among departments to create a unified, supportive culture for students.

* Personal Reflections and Advice:

* Caroline’s personal journey and the transformational impact of focusing on belonging.

* Encouragement for others to pursue initiatives that enhance student engagement and belonging, leveraging networks like RAISE.

Resources Mentioned:

* Terrell L. Strayhorn’s book: College Students' Sense of Belonging: A Key to Educational Success for All Students (2018).

* Seminal article: The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation by Baumeister & Leary (1995).

* RAISE Network for Higher Education colleagues interested in student engagement research and promotion.

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Closing Remarks:

Thank you for joining us in this insightful conversation about the importance of belonging and student engagement. Remember, every small step towards creating a supportive environment can make a significant difference. Until next time, keep leading with kindness and making a positive impact.

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