A place to be
Date
2002
Authors
Judson, Gillian Claire
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This research builds on constructs of "space" and ''place" by exploring how "sense of place" in schools contributes to a sense of belonging and the possible implications for learning. "Learning" is an evolving process of connectedness with environment and subject matter. Subjective relationships between people and spaces include the ways in which people use, experience, construct meanings in and are influenced by the spaces in their lives. A constructivist and phenomenological research design allows investigation of the subjective spatial experiences of thirty-eight Grade 12 students constituting the research sample. This study demonstrates that students create physical, mental, and ideational "spaces of security" from the subjective meanings they construct in school spaces fulfilling their needs for safety and belonging and facilitating the formation of a diversity of collective and individual identities. Increased understandings of student experiences in schools and the possible pedagogical implications contribute to educational research.