134 - Exploring Students' Sense of Belonging in Chemistry Education: A Collaborative Evaluation Perspective

Abstract Information: Collaborative evaluation served as a shared approach, engaging multiple stakeholders in assessing subjects and fostering transparent communication. In a study examining students' sense of belonging in introductory chemistry, qualitative methods were employed, including interviews with 19 students. The findings unveiled nuanced dimensions of belonging, comprising situational and dispositional aspects, and acceptance-based and value-based dimensions such as Situational Acceptance and Dispositional Value. This study aligned with collaborative evaluation principles by actively involving stakeholders, notably students, through interviews and qualitative analysis. Transparent communication and the conceptualization of belonging dimensions informed instructional and research endeavors to bolster students' sense of belonging, showcasing the utility of collaborative evaluation for improvement.