Social Identity and Belonging

Students’ social identities—including race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status—significantly shape their sense of belonging. At ETSU, where a large proportion of students come from Appalachian communities and low-income households, belonging is a vital factor in student engagement and persistence.

• Engagement: When students from Appalachia see their regional experiences reflected in course materials or discussions, they are more likely to participate actively. Similarly, international students are more engaged when their cultural perspectives are acknowledged and respected.
• Persistence: First-generation students, who make up a significant portion of the ETSU population, often rely on a strong sense of connection to overcome the challenges of navigating unfamiliar academic environments.
• Academic Performance: Students who feel included—whether they’re adult learners balancing work and school or minority students in predominantly White classrooms—are more willing to take intellectual risks, explore new ideas, and push themselves academically.

Cultural Background and Learning Approaches

The cultural diversity at ETSU—from Appalachian traditions to global influences—shapes how students approach learning, communicate, and interact.

• Communication Styles: Appalachian students may bring storytelling traditions into their learning, valuing narratives as a way to process and share knowledge. International students may lean on written communication as they adjust to English as a medium of instruction.
• Collaboration vs. Independence: While Appalachian students might thrive in collaborative, community-oriented projects, others, such as military-affiliated learners, may prefer independent tasks that reflect their disciplined backgrounds.
• Perceptions of Authority: Students from hierarchical cultures or conservative backgrounds may defer to instructors, while others might feel more comfortable engaging in debate or challenging ideas.

Prior Experiences and Knowledge Construction

ETSU students come with diverse life experiences that influence how they connect with and apply new knowledge.

• Frame of Reference: A nursing student who grew up in a rural area may have firsthand insights into healthcare access disparities, enriching their engagement with public health case studies.
• Relevance: Outdoor enthusiasts, who value hands-on experiences, might be particularly motivated by environmental science courses that incorporate fieldwork in the Appalachian Highlands.

Intersectionality and Compounded Challenges

ETSU’s student body includes individuals with intersecting identities, such as first-generation LGBTQ+ students or women of color in STEM programs. These intersections create unique challenges and opportunities.

• Compounded Challenges: A first-generation student of color from a rural community may navigate financial, social, and cultural barriers simultaneously, requiring extra support to thrive.
• Enriched Perspectives: Intersectional identities also enhance classroom discussions. For example, a non-traditional student with military experience and a disability might bring both practical insights and critical awareness to topics like leadership or accessibility.

Building Inclusive Classrooms at ETSU

To support ETSU’s diverse students and create a sense of belonging across identities, faculty can adopt inclusive strategies tailored to the university’s unique population. While this guide delves deeper into specific techniques, here are some core principles to consider:

1. Recognize and Validate Student Identities: Acknowledge the strengths students bring from their backgrounds, such as Appalachian resilience, international perspectives, or first-generation ambition.
2. Diversify Course Content: Incorporate examples, readings, and case studies that reflect regional traditions, global contexts, and varied lived experiences.
3. Foster Peer Connections: Encourage group work and discussions that bring students from different backgrounds together, building bridges across identities.
4. Offer Flexible Participation: Provide opportunities for students to engage in ways that suit their comfort levels, such as through written reflections, small group discussions, or individual projects.
5. Communicate Empathy and Support: Share resources for financial aid, mental health, and academic support, and create a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable seeking help.

By aligning teaching practices with the diverse needs and strengths of ETSU’s students, faculty can help unlock their full potential, fostering academic excellence and personal growth for all. This approach not only benefits individual students but also strengthens the university’s commitment to serving its community and region.