Student perceptions of their sense of belonging in a middle school English language learner classroom

This phenomenology study focuses on student perceptions of their sense of belonging in Middle School English Language Learner (ELL) classrooms. It investigates what may make ELL students feel a sense of belonging, community, and place as it can be more difficult for these students to develop such connections due to potential language and culture barriers. The main research question is: “What are student perceptions of their sense of belonging within a middle school English Language Learner classroom?” This study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with five participants in a Canadian middle school in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. The findings were organized into three themes describing the participants’ experiences (safety, connection, and engagement), as well as three themes describing the contextual factors related to the phenomenon itself (familiarity, peer social interaction, and teacher-student rapport). The themes of this study aim to help ELL educators better foster a sense of belonging in their students and include a discussion surrounding the participants’ experiences and contextual factors, as well as recommendations.