Messages That Foster a Sense of Belonging Improve Learning and Satisfaction: An Experiment in an Online Environment
AEA Papers and Proceedings
vol. 113,
May 2023
(pp. 514-18)
Abstract
The literature in pedagogy has shown that having a sense of belonging affects learning. This paper shows the result of a communication experiment in an online environment. For six consecutive terms, the instructor taught Introduction to Statistics. The instructor added a more direct communication strategy during two of those five terms. She used weekly communications that linked course material with events discussed by students previously and a personal message to each student. The intervention resulted in improved learning, measured by better grades, and more enjoyment of the course, measured using student comments in teaching evaluations.Citation
Avila Forcada, Sara. 2023. "Messages That Foster a Sense of Belonging Improve Learning and Satisfaction: An Experiment in an Online Environment." AEA Papers and Proceedings, 113: 514-18. DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20231048Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- A22 Economic Education and Teaching of Economics: Undergraduate
- C93 Field Experiments
- D83 Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
- I23 Higher Education; Research Institutions
- I26 Returns to Education