By Karl McCormack

17 December 2024

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a conference on student engagement, and while many ideas were shared, one concept really stuck with me—giving students a sense of mattering. We often hear about the importance of students feeling a sense of belonging at university, but there’s something even more powerful about the idea that students feel that they truly matter to the university, their course, and the staff who teach them.

Belonging is fantastic, don’t get me wrong. It’s about students feeling accepted, finding their place within the community. But mattering takes this up a notch. It’s not just about being part of the university—it’s about knowing that you, as a student, are important, that your presence and your efforts are noticed, valued, and appreciated by those around you. When students feel that they matter, they are more likely to engage fully in their studies, contribute to the wider university community, and generally feel motivated to make the most of their educational experience.

In this post, I want to explore the idea of mattering—what it really means, why it’s crucial for student engagement, and how it connects to creating a sense of place, or placemaking, within our higher education institutions. With a bit of playfulness, I’ll delve into why we, as educators, need to focus on helping students feel that they matter—not just to the staff but to the university as a whole.

Image from: Why Mattering at Work is the New Metric to Track – Dignify

The Power of Mattering

At its core, the idea of mattering is pretty simple: students need to feel seen, heard, and acknowledged. It’s one thing for students to know that the university exists to provide an education, but it’s another thing entirely for them to feel like their contributions, their presence, and their success are genuinely significant. When students feel that they matter, they are more likely to take ownership of their learning, get involved in extracurricular activities, and engage more deeply in their studies.

Think about it: when someone tells you that what you do matters, it changes the way you approach things, doesn’t it? You feel more invested, more motivated. It’s the same for students. If they believe their voice counts—whether that’s in class discussions, group projects, or feedback on their work—they’re far more likely to be active participants in their education. And that sense of significance doesn’t just improve their academic performance; it enhances their overall experience and satisfaction with university life.

Mattering and the Role of the University

It’s not just up to students to figure out that they matter—the university itself needs to send out that message loud and clear. It’s about creating an environment where students feel they are more than just a name on a register or a number in a lecture hall. They should feel like they are valued members of the institution, integral to the success of the community.

So how do we do that? Well, it starts with us—lecturers, staff, and the wider university community—creating a culture of recognition. It means taking the time to engage with students, acknowledge their efforts, and show them that they are important. Of course, this can look different for different people. A quick chat in office hours, recognising a student’s idea in class, or simply saying ‘Well done’ after a tough exam can go a long way in helping students feel seen.

But it’s not just about the individuals. The university needs to embed this ethos into the very fabric of its culture. That means prioritising student wellbeing, creating accessible support services, and encouraging students to take leadership roles in academic and social initiatives. When students feel they can contribute and that their ideas are valued by the institution, they are far more likely to invest their time, energy, and enthusiasm into their education.

Mattering and Placemaking: Creating Meaningful Spaces

Mattering is closely linked to placemaking, the idea of creating spaces that are meaningful and engaging. In the university context, placemaking isn’t just about making sure the coffee in the student union is strong enough (although that certainly helps!). It’s about crafting environments—both physical and cultural—that help students feel connected, supported, and valued.

The physical spaces we create are important, of course. Think about the lecture halls, study spaces, or even outdoor areas where students spend time. Are they inviting? Do they encourage collaboration? Do they feel like places where students can connect, learn, and thrive? If students feel comfortable in these spaces, they are more likely to engage and take ownership of them.

But placemaking isn’t just about physical spaces. It’s about the cultural spaces within the university—the ways in which students are encouraged to interact with one another, with staff, and with the institution. A university that values student engagement will create a culture where students feel that their ideas and opinions matter, where they have the freedom to express themselves and contribute to the community. This could mean having more open forums for feedback, offering spaces for students to lead discussions, or encouraging students to take part in university-wide projects. When students feel that they have a voice in shaping their environment, they are much more likely to feel that they matter to the university.

Practical Ways to Foster a Sense of Mattering

So, how can we, as educators, make sure that our students know they matter? It doesn’t have to be a big, grand gesture every time (though, if you want to hand out gold stars at the end of every lecture, I’m all for it!). It’s the small, everyday actions that count. Here are some ideas to help students feel acknowledged:

1. Personalised Feedback: When giving feedback on assignments, make it personal. Rather than just ticking boxes, offer specific comments on the student’s work that show you’ve paid attention to their individual progress. A little “Well done, your argument was particularly strong in this section” can go a long way.
2. Academic Mentoring: Strive to get to know their students as individuals. Simple gestures like learning students’ names, asking about their goals and interests, and providing tailored feedback can go a long way in making students feel seen and appreciated.
3. Interactive Classes: Make your classes as interactive as possible. Ask questions, let students share their thoughts, and encourage debate. The more students contribute to the learning process, the more they feel like they are shaping the experience.
4. Celebrate Achievements: Whether it’s a good exam result, a well-thought-out contribution to class, or a successful project, make sure to celebrate students’ achievements. Whether it’s through formal awards or informal praise, showing students that their hard work is noticed reinforces the idea that they matter. A simple shout-out in class or a congratulatory email can help them feel recognised.
5. Encourage Student Leadership: Give students the chance to lead. Let them run discussions, manage projects, or even help create course content. When students take on leadership roles, they feel that their ideas are valued by their peers and the institution.
6. Foster a Fun Atmosphere: Learning doesn’t have to be all serious business. Injecting a bit of fun into the classroom, whether through creative assignments, playful icebreakers, or group activities, can help students feel more comfortable and open. When students enjoy being in your class, they’re more likely to feel engaged and that they matter in the process.
7. Inclusive Culture: Foster a culture of inclusion and respect where every student’s voice is heard. This can be achieved through diverse representation in course materials, inclusive teaching practices, and creating spaces where students feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment.

Ultimately, giving students a sense of mattering is all about helping them feel like they are integral to the university community. When students feel that they matter to the university, their course, and their lecturers, they are more likely to engage, thrive, and succeed. This sense of mattering doesn’t happen by accident—it’s something we must intentionally nurture. By prioritising mattering, we create an environment where students not only belong, but also feel empowered, motivated, and ready to take ownership of their learning.

When students feel that they truly matter, the impact on their education and the institution as a whole is profound. Let’s build spaces, both physical and cultural, where students can feel recognised and valued.