Research has illuminated the profound influence parents can have on their children's academic achievements (Desforges and Abouchaar, 2003). In fact, effective parental engagement has the potential to propel a child's education by the equivalent of two to three extra years of schooling (Hattie, 2008).
Parental involvement is most impactful when it revolves around cultivating a positive attitude towards learning and education, instilling motivation and confidence in young learners, and nurturing their love for acquiring knowledge. This involvement encompasses the following fundamental behaviours and beliefs:
Enhancing Learning Enjoyment: Parents can elevate their child's enjoyment of learning and emphasise the importance of education.
Belief in Parental Capability: It is crucial for parents to believe in their capacity to assist their children in their learning journey.
Emotional Wellbeing: Parents should prioritise their children's emotional well-being alongside their academic progress during their school years.
The advantages of parental engagement in learning are manifold. For students, it fosters a deeper appreciation and engagement with education, ultimately leading to increased motivation and improved academic outcomes. Moreover, it promotes effective partnerships, where families and schools collaborate to address issues that may affect a student's well-being and success (ACT Government).
Research further indicates that parents need not invest copious amounts of time or possess specialised knowledge to support their child's education. Rather, improved educational outcomes stem from genuine interest and active engagement (Government of South Australia). Here are some effective strategies:
Meaningful Conversations: Engage your daughters in conversations about their school experiences, their interests, and any challenges they face. Relate their learning to current events and real-world issues.
Encourage Reading: Reading not only aids language development but also enhances sentence construction, fluency, and creativity. It contributes to memory, relaxation, and overall well-being.
Teacher Relationships: Support your daughters in developing positive relationships with their teachers and encourage open communication about their progress and any additional support they may need.
Optimal Homework Environment: Create a dedicated homework space and schedule. Younger students may benefit from assistance in organising study plans, revising, and proofreading.
Foster Self-Belief: Instill confidence and educational aspirations in your daughters.
Promote Effort and Resilience: Encourage perseverance and embrace challenges while reminding your daughters that failures and mistakes are steppingstones to growth and learning.
Engagement in Enrichment: Motivate your daughters to participate in extension opportunities and activities that enhance decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Discuss Future Plans: Engage in conversations about post-schooling options and plans for the future.
Monitor Device Use: Keep an eye on device usage, ensuring a balanced approach that supports overall health and well-being. Limit access during sleep hours.
Parents play a pivotal role in creating a rich learning environment at home and bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-life experiences. By actively discussing learning and fostering positive attitudes toward school, parents become indispensable partners in their child's education.
Dr John Fry
Deputy Principal - Studies
ACT Government (2014) Progressing Parental Engagement https://www.education.act.gov.au/teaching_and_learning/parental-engagement/progressing-parental-engagement
Australian Government Department of Education and Training (2018) Parent Engagement in Learning, https://www.education.act.gov.au/teaching_and_learning/parental-engagement/progressing-parental-engagement
Desforges, C., and A. Abouchaar. 2003. The Impact of Parental Involvement, Parental Support and Family Education on Pupil Achievement and Adjustment: A Literature Review. London: Department for Education and Skills.
Emerson, L., Fear. J., Fox, S., and Sanders, E. (2012). Parental engagement in learning and schooling: Lessons from research. A report by the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) for the Family-School and Community Partnerships Bureau: Canberra.
Government of South Australia (2014) Towards Best Practice in Parent Involvement in Education: A literature review, Office of Non-Government Schools and Services, University of South Australia
Hattie, J. (2012). Visible Learning: A Synthesis of Over 800 Meta-Analyses Relating to Achievement. Taylor & Francis.
Simons, Robert (2013), Parental engagement in learning, Research Developments, ACER.
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