Fostering Belonging and Engagement in Higher Education with Caroline Cooke

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 (www.researchgate.net/publicat...) by Baumeister & Leary (1995).
* RAISE Network for Higher Education colleagues interested in student engagement research and promotion (raise-network.com) .
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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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