Table 2
Adapted and Original Connectedness Subscale Comparison
Adapted Connectedness Subscale
Original Connectedness Subscale
1. We cared about each other
I feel that students in this course care about each other
2. I felt connected to the other class members
I feel connected to others in this course
3. There was a feeling of trust
I trust others in this course
4. I felt that this course was like a family or community
I feel that this course is like a family
5. I could share ideas on projects with others without being criticized
I feel uncertain about others in this course
6. I was confident that my class members would support or assist me
I feel confident that others will support me
7. I had a sense of belonging
I do not feel a spirit of community
8. My class members could depend on me
I feel that members of this course depend on me
9. I felt isolated
I feel isolated in this course
10. I had friends that I could talk to outside of class
I feel like I could rely on others in this course
11. I received timely feedback from others
I feel that I receive timely feedback
(originally from the learning subscale)
12. The "sense of community" we felt was important
(Not Included)
Data Collection and Analysis
Participants in each iteration completed the adapted CCS as part of an end-of-course online survey each semester. Responses were then compiled, and missing values were removed from the data. If one participant submitted two surveys accidentally, the most recent survey was kept while the other was discarded. Only responses in which the participant provided permission for inclusion in the research study were used.
To obtain the connectedness score, the weights of each item were added. Total scores ranged from a maximum of 66 to a minimum of 0. For all items except No. 9, the following scoring scale was used: strongly agree = 6, agree = 5, somewhat agree = 4, neutral = 3, somewhat disagree = 2, disagree = 1, strongly disagree = 0. For item No. 9,