My Words: 3Cs - Connect, Capable and Contribute
Academically, sense of belonging emerged from Alderian's thought. The term started as the need to belong (Edward et al., 2001) to a particular structure. Various scholars had explored the term further. Maslow (1962) stated that until the fundamental need of belonging is met, other needs go unsatisfied. Later, Bettner and Lew (1989) came up with an interesting finding stating that there are three dimensions of sense of belonging; connect, capable and count. These dimensions are applicable especially in teaching. Before motivating students to achieve greater academic successs, they should learn to connect themselves with the purpose of study and the place or environment, to be able (capable) to unleash their power (what they good at), and to contribute their knowledges and skills for the good of society. This concept, which was introduced by Bettner and Lew (1989), and popularly known as 3Cs, is best applied in school at all levels. In order to develop sense of belonging, students ...