Want To Engage Parents? Use Their Phones…
Getting parents and carers involved in their youngsters’ learning is a sure recipe for success, says Laura Armfield – and modern technology can make it easy
We all somehow know that it’s true: children and young people excel when their parents or carers engage with what they’re learning at school. In fact, according to Professor Charles Desforges, “if pupils are to maximise their potential from schooling they will need the full support of their parents”.
It makes sense to us that children do better when their parents are engaged with learning at home. However, the issue is not in acknowledging the importance of parental engagement with learning, but in finding the methods, time and resources to do it well.
Perfect partners
I firmly believe that every parent wants the best for their children. The truth for many, though, is that tackling subject knowledge they haven’t looked at for many years can be a daunting thing, and the understanding of how to engage is just not there. And the reality is, in the majority of cases, school communication does little to support those parents.
At Parent Hub, we speak to lots of parents and carers to pick their brains on how they feel they can help, and what they can contribute to their child’s learning. Time and time again we hear the same story: they want to engage, but do not have the knowledge of either the subject itself or the most up to date teaching techniques to do so effectively.
What, then, do they want from teachers? The answer is honest, open and regular communication to get them involved and demystify the classroom. And in return, an engaged parent is far more likely to get involved when the school needs them; it’s all about collaboration after all.
We’re not talking purely about involving families in school life, although that’s a good starting point, but instead really embracing the untapped resource that they represent. Parents and carers can be part of a learning partnership which has a real impact upon the whole learning process.
Time to talk
It’s not just parents who are frustrated; teachers are often left feeling like they are missing out on opportunities to interact with families, and to get them on board with learning. Phone calls, when they happen, are usually focused on behaviour or occasionally giving positive feedback to a few. And for time-poor teachers already under a lot of pressure, the process of making individual calls is often too time consuming and largely inefficient.
Furthermore, when it comes to parents’ evenings, they are not only infrequent but can often feel rushed, focused more on giving information to parents and cares rather than getting their input.
So, we’re left in a situation with two parties that without question have a considerable amount to offer one another but are struggling to engage in a meaningful way. Could technology provide a solution?
The government review of best practice in parental engagement highlights the role that technology can play in removing some of the barriers to engaging parents with learning, stating that it can provide a “convenient means for parents to access up-to-date information about their child’s learning’. Used correctly, it continues, technology can allow parents to be “…more engaged with their child’s learning, and supports more flexible working arrangements for staff”.
Smart answers
The UK is increasingly a smartphone society – indeed, they have overtaken laptops as the primary device for going online. The majority of adults now own a smartphone as they become the hub of daily lives; so much so that over a third of us now check our phones within five minutes of waking up! It seems appropriate then that an app could form a solution to the problem of improving parental engagement by providing a convenient and effective way for teachers and school staff to reach parents and carers. All too often notes home are left crumpled in the bottom of school bags, or at the back of lockers. By using technology, this information has a much greater chance of getting to the intended recipient – the parent; of being read; and of being remembered.
An app-based approach to parental engagement offers a way of reaching families directly to deliver support, advice and tips straight into their hands via the all-important smartphone. This can range from a teacher providing a quick question about a key learning point that a parent can ask their child, to updating parents on the latest classroom projects, or even sending images straight from a school trip or outing.
Of course, it is not about an app replacing parents evening, phone calls and other face-to-face meetings entirely – rather, it’s a case of allowing communication to continue on an ongoing and more consistent basis. Simple strategies like this, delivered regularly, directly and in a timely manner, do wonders for parents. They know what to ask, what the answer is, and feel like they are in the loop. Conversations about learning are stimulated. They get more frequent. Children feel better supported; and ultimately, they thrive.
4 steps to better communication
Keep it clear
Teachers should avoid using terminology and acronyms; remember that a parent might not be as comfortable with the ins and outs of the curriculum as you are. Speak in language that is easily understandable and be clear and concise.
Be specific
Giving parents simple tools and ideas on ways to support learning is crucial. Provide quiz questions but be sure to include the answers too! For those parents that are keen to delve deeper, point them in the direction of good quality web resources, where they can find out more.
Involve everyone
Where parental engagement is an afterthought or ‘bolt-on’ to mainstream activities, it’s unlikely to be successful. Gain the support of colleagues and work together to integrate your solutions.
Prioritise training
Staff need support, training and coaching, particularly when working with parents whose backgrounds are very different from their own. They may also need support on how to use new technologies.
Keep it interesting!
Use images from the classroom and school trips to mix things up and keep the information you provide parents varied and visual.
About the author
Laura Armfield is a parent, and social media manager at Parent Hub (parenthub.co.uk)
