ABSTRACT
Sense of belonging plays a pivotal role in student success as researchers continue to affirm that when students lack connectedness and personal value within a group they often experience lower academic performance and greater attrition than their peers. This is especially true for underrepresented student populations. Through the development of new and revised delivery modalities and the recent transformation of higher education due to the global pandemic, it is valuable to consider and implement pedagogical evidence-based practices. Several theories outline approaches that practitioners can apply in an effort to increase a sense of belonging among students, regardless of the learning environment. The theory of cooperative learning is a form of peer learning that focuses on structuring “positive interdependence” to accomplish shared goals using clearly defined roles and responsibilities, individual accountability, and high levels of engagement and participation. Personalized and timely communication can influence whether a student feels as though they belong.
