Cultivating a sense of belonging in part-time students

Cultivating a sense of belonging in part-time students

• Kember, David Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• Lee, Kenneth Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• Li, Natalia Hong Kong Polytechnic University

International Journal of Lifelong Education, 20(4), 326-341, 2001

Routledge

2001

• S School Environment & Facilities, Organization
  • SH School Culture, Teacher-Student Relations

Affiliation Need Foreign Countries Higher Education Part Time Students Student College Relationship Teacher Student Relationship Group Cohesion Hong Kong

• Hong Kong

• 1997.7 onwards

• Post-Secondary Education

This study investigated the sense of belonging of part-time students through interviews with 53 novice or experienced students enrolled in part-time programmes in Hong Kong. It was found that students were more easily able to affiliate with their class groups or teaching staff than with their department or university. Seven methods are suggested for promoting a sense of belonging. Class cohesiveness can be developed through learning activities and maintaining classes as a cohort. Relationships with teaching staff can be developed through encouraging interaction, providing good quality teaching and making a positive initial impression. There was also evidence that a sense of belonging was more likely to develop if enrolment was through departments and part-time students had access to resources and facilities. The data showed that promoting a sense of belonging contributed to better quality learning outcomes and increased the chances of students completing programmes.
[Copyright of International Journal of Lifelong Education is the property of Routledge. Full article may be available at the publisher's website:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02601370110048809]

• English

Journal Articles

• 02601370

• 10.1080/02601370110048809

https://bibliography.lib.eduhk.hk/bibs/10b111b2

2010-09-08