Methods to Increase Parent Participation in Education
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Issue Date
2014-04-26
Authors
Gardner, Kaitlyn M.
Publisher
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Abstract
Studies have shown that parent participation in education correlates with academic achievement (e.g. de Pedro, et al. 2011). The actions of involved parents can increase children’s awareness, understanding, and critical thinking skills. Parents are children’s first teachers and lay the foundation for academic success.
Parent participation in education takes on many forms. Parents can participate at school by volunteering in classrooms, supporting fundraisers, sharing their expertise, or donating supplies. At home, parents can engage their children in a variety of educational activities, from assisting with homework to visiting the zoo. Another aspect of parental involvement that is often overlooked is open and ongoing parent-teacher communication. Parents who communicate regularly with their children’s teachers will have a better understanding of what their children are learning and how they, as parents, can bolster the learning process.
The aim of this research is to explore how educators can increase parent participation in education. First, a review of the current research will examine what experts in the field suggest to increase parent participation. Then, interviews with teachers and principals will be conducted to see how schools promote parent participation. Finally, parent surveys will be distributed to examine how parents are involved and what motivates their involvement. In this manner, a list of approaches to increase parent participation in education will be compiled so that these practices to increase parent participation may be improved.
Description
Requires to postersboards and a full table to herself.