Louisa E. Krause, in fulfilling the requirements for the EdD program in Educational and Professional Practice at Antioch University, has written and published a dissertation titled, How Can the Learning Environment be Designed to Encourage Sense of Belonging for Students in Higher Education?
The objective of this dissertation was to investigate how inclusive and equitable teaching practices increase a sense of belonging for students in the learning environment. This study advocates for marginalized students, placing the responsibility for a change on the learning institution with a specific focus on teaching practices.
The professional development materials created in this dissertation suggest that critical self-reflection and transformative learning are necessary for faculty to gain an understanding of their students and provide the inclusive and equitable experience they need to develop a sense of belonging, overcoming barriers created by the institution and the complexity of having multiple identities.
Krause is the Director of Instructional Innovation and Distance Education at Macomb Community College, a position she has held since March 2020. She was named Distinguished Executive of the Year in 2024 by the Alliance for Excellence in Online Education, recognizing her outstanding leadership and contributions to the field of instructional innovation and distance education.
Read and download Krause’s dissertation, How Can the Learning Environment be Designed to Encourage Sense of Belonging for Students in Higher Education? here.
