New Instrument Validates Digital Learning Environments that Support Student Belonging in Indonesia

Ilustrasi by AI

Researchers from Singaperbangsa Karawang University, Banten Marine Polytechnic, and the Bali State Polytechnic have successfully developed a valid instrument to measure digital learning environments that foster a sense of belonging among students. Led by Mansyur Srisudarso, along with Pierre Marcello Lopulalan and Sang Ayu Made Krisna Dewi Natalia, the study was published in the Journal of Educational Analytics (JEDA) in May 2026. These findings serve as a crucial breakthrough for higher education institutions seeking to create more inclusive and supportive educational ecosystems amidst the massive transformation of digital learning.

The Importance of Humanistic Learning Environments

Digital transformation in higher education often focuses solely on technology while neglecting students' psychosocial aspects. Students who feel isolated in a digital environment tend to have lower motivation and academic resilience. It is essential for universities to recognize that a sense of belonging, psychological safety, and social support are key factors that make students feel accepted and actively involved in the learning process, as emphasized in Self-Determination Theory.

Research Methodology

In this study, the team surveyed 412 students from various universities in Indonesia. They employed a quantitative approach using advanced statistical analysis to test the developed survey instrument. The researchers integrated two analytical methods: Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to ensure the instrument's model structure aligned with real-world conditions, and Item Response Theory (IRT) to accurately assess the precision of each survey question in distinguishing students' levels of ability and perception.

Key Findings

The study produced an instrument that is both valid and reliable, with the following key findings:

  • ·         Multidimensional Structure: A supportive learning environment consists of five key dimensions: psychological safety, supportive teacher interaction, collaborative learning, academic belonging, and engagement in reflective deep learning.
  • ·         Instrument Quality: Analysis results show that all question items possess high discriminating power and a highly proportional level of difficulty for use in educational evaluation.
  • ·         Dominant Role of Lecturers: In contrast to Western contexts, interaction with lecturers provides the most dominant contribution to building a supportive learning environment for students in Indonesia.

Implications for the Education Sector

The developed instrument provides tangible benefits for higher education administrators and policymakers. Universities now have a comprehensive evaluation tool to identify areas requiring improvement in their digital learning designs. By implementing this instrument, institutions can design strategies oriented not only toward academic grades but also toward students' emotional well-being, thereby creating a more meaningful, inclusive, and participatory learning experience.

Author Profiles:

  • ·         Mansyur Srisudarso: Lecturer at Singaperbangsa Karawang University, expert in educational analytics and psychometrics.
  • ·         Pierre Marcello Lopulalan: Academic at Banten Marine Polytechnic, specialist in learning technology innovation.
  • ·         Sang Ayu Made Krisna Dewi Natalia: Lecturer at Bali State Polytechnic, focused on developing the quality of higher education learning environments.

Research Source:

Srisudarso, M., Lopulalan, P. M., & Natalia, S. A. M. K. D. (2026). Multidimensional Validation of Belonging-Supportive Deep Learning Environments in Higher Education Using CFA and Item Response Theory. Journal of Educational Analytics (JEDA), 5(2), 532-547. 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/jeda.v5i2.28

 URL: https://journaljeda.my.id/index.php/jeda


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