Beyond Inclusion: Embedding Belonging in Everyday Classroom Practice (4PM)

What if belonging in schools wasn’t simply a matter of pastoral care or emotional wellbeing, but a powerful lever for student motivation, identity development, and academic engagement?

In this webinar, Dr Jamaal Matthews shares insights from his work on Belonging-Centered Instruction, a research-informed framework grounded in student voice that examines how belonging shapes pedagogy, classroom dynamics, and school culture.

With particular attention to secondary STEM education, the session explores how teachers and leaders can foster belonging through inclusive, reflective, and identity-affirming practice.

Drawing on real classroom examples, thought-provoking reflection tools, and practical starting points, this session offers accessible ways to embed belonging into the fabric of teaching. It bridges global research with everyday realities, providing fresh insight into how we create classrooms where all students feel seen, heard, and valued.

Preparation (Optional but Valuable):
Before the session, watch a short classroom clip (from 2:30–10:00) and jot down notes on two prompts:

1. One strength of the teacher that might relate to student belonging.
2. One area of improvement that could enhance student belonging.

This preview will enrich your experience, but don’t worry—you’ll still get the full value of the webinar even if you come without having watched it. We’ll view a key excerpt together during the session.