The parent-teacher partnership
R Jeyatheerthan
Parents are a crucial link between children and teachers and it is essential that a channel of communication is open between the two caregivers (parents and teachers) throughout an academic year. Only when parents and teachers work together can they contribute to the making of a healthy, well-adjusted, and successful young adult. Let’s discuss a few strategies for a good parent-teacher relationship.
Home-school collaboration leads to improved student achievement, better behaviour, better attendance, higher self-concept and positive attitude towards school and learning. Parents and educators also benefit when true partnerships are established. Successful parent-teacher involvement means mutual participation by families and teachers. Parents can participate at school by helping with functions and activities, or communicating with teachers. They can also be involved at home in many ways, including assisting their children with homework and other commitments and engaging in discussions about values and attitudes regarding education.
Establishing strong relationships and clear lines of communication at the beginning of the year sets a strong foundation for parent-teacher interactions. Volunteer shifts, class activities, or parent-teacher committees are all great engagement opportunities for the parents to get involved in classroom activities. Teachers must share their classroom goals or expectations openly with parents and ask them to do the same. Teachers must connect with parents’ in person as much as possible.
Building relationships with students is by far the most important thing a teacher can do. Without a solid foundation and relationship built on trust and respect, no quality learning will happen. While I believe the importance of relationships cannot be over stated, many teachers have no idea where to start.
Research shows that when a partnership between parents and teachers is evident, children’s work habits and attitude towards school and grades improve. They demonstrate better social skills, fewer behavioural problems and a greater ability to adapt to situations. Parents expect teachers to instruct their students and guide their learning so that they can succeed. Teachers expect parents to support the instruction and learning that happens in school, at home. They also each have expectations for the child/student they share in common.
The author is a computer teacher at SBOA Matriculation and Higher Secondary School, Coimbatore. He can be reached at jeyathr@gmail.com.