Future teachers are expected to collaborate throughout their careers, yet collaboration is often assumed rather than taught. Belonging by Design is a faculty inquiry framework that helps instructors identify student collaboration needs, select intentional supports, and reflect on the impact of those instructional decisions.

The framework focuses on four interconnected areas. The four focus areas in this pilot emerged through earlier cycles of inquiry and are intended as a starting point for supporting collaboration. As the framework evolves, additional conditions and resources may emerge through faculty experience and continued research. For now, these are the four areas: