ABSTRACT
Pupils have been found to be more motivated, engaged and dedicated to their education if they experience a sense of belonging in their school environment. This systematic literature review aimed to explore descriptions of how staff in secondary schools create a sense of belonging for their pupils. Databases, including PsycINFO: Ovid online, Education Resources Information Centre (ERIC), Applied Social Sciences Index & Abstracts (ASSIA) and EBSCOhost were searched for relevant qualitative research studies. PRISMA guidelines were followed, to identify, screen and select relevant research papers, resulting in 5 studies being screened against a recognised scoring framework.
The current systematic literature review identified methods that were perceived to be useful when supporting pupils to develop a sense of belonging within their secondary school environment, both at the individual staff and whole school, systemic level. Limitations of the review are identified and directions for further research are also discussed.
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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
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Notes on contributors
Leanne Greenwood
Leanne Greenwood is an Educational Psychologist with a research interest in school belonging and looked after children.
Catherine Kelly
Catherine Kelly is an Educational Psychologist and works at The University of Manchester as a tutor for professional training in Educational Psychology.