Communication is the cornerstone of education, both in and outside the classroom. As we become increasingly reliant on technology and online education, it’s essential to reconsider the way we communicate with one another. Teachers have had to reshape how they address and read their students, including the available materials and the many formats they’ve had to master.
Online learning gives us an opportunity to take a look at the way parents and teachers can engage in communication as we strive to provide a better educational experience for our children. Let’s explore a few key strategies for parents and teachers alike.
Parents and teachers want the same thing: the best education for their children. Studies show that strongly built communication and collaboration between the two have proven beneficial for students’ academic success and the school as a whole. This type of communication includes:.
These elements should also be applied to in-person education, but due to the nature and limitations of digital communication, they become paramount in establishing and maintaining a strong partnership.
Asynchronous learning opens the door to more intriguing and innovative forms of learning. When people think of online learning, they often imagine group video calls—which are a complicated enough endeavor among adults, let alone children.
With asynchronous learning, engaging the students with the lesson takes many shapes. Pre-recorded lessons, open online forums populated by instructors and peers, online videos, and guided projects allow children to make the best use of their time as they learn new subjects with the freedom of their own schedule. Instead of forcing students to sit in front of a computer for hours on end, asynchronous learning splits the lessons into more manageable chunks.
It also provides parents with more ways to understand and engage with the lesson. Many of the principles provided by asynchronous teaching can apply to parent involvement. We suggest setting up seminars where parents can voice their concerns and successes; they also allow the school to share innovations and data about the students.
Round-table discussions are also a great way to make parents feel heard. The best part of this approach is that, much like lessons, they don’t have to be constrained to a single schedule, but they can take place in open online forums where each parent and teacher can interact at their convenience.
Schools can use the possibilities of digital media to create more enticing ways to engage parents with the material. Consider a well-designed, colorful, and informative newsletter. You can also build guides and checklists, schedules, and advice pieces for parents and students.
Co-construct new roles for the parents to further establish them as stakeholders in their child’s learning experience. These new roles, mixed with open discussion planning at parent-teacher conferences, allow parents to participate in decision-making. A coordinated approach between parents and teachers can positively impact the learning experience. Some schools, for instance, have set up sessions whenever big tasks are assigned to avoid last-minute runs to the store and late nights completing projects.
With communication so reliant on screens, it’s very important to keep it alive and constant. Traditionally, schools only reach out to parents one-on-one shortly before grades are in or after. Instead, we suggest scheduling frequent check-ins with the parents to discuss their child’s performance, whether positive or negative. It helps parents, teachers, and students to reinforce expectations and support each other when it’s convenient and not when it’s absolutely necessary.
Use social media and private groups to keep your community informed about important school events and procedure changes. Create graphics that convey the message quickly and efficiently. Remember to practice digital security and safety, and review permissions and how accessible your group is to the public. Avoid sharing important and sensitive information and rely on a moderator to keep things clean and friendly.
Every home has different technological and coverage capacities. While it’s not the school’s job to be the primary internet provider, they can usually help when children or parents face technical difficulties with the tools in use. Fortunately, asynchronous learning is flexible and versatile, as it can happen anytime. Still, ensure you provide an open space for parents and students facing technical issues to find new solutions or adjust the schedule.
Most of the suggestions we’ve covered so far are actions that schools can adopt for their own purposes. Parents can also do their part as they read, listen to, or otherwise experience the information the school provides. Be sure to prepare for meetings and to seek a positive attitude and interaction with the teachers. Be clear and concise in discussions, as it will allow everyone involved to understand your concerns.
A child’s education takes constant, shared effort. If we learned anything from the COVID-19 pandemic, it was how to adapt to the digital landscape. This change requires all of us to become more fully engaged with the child’s education in order to help them navigate post-pandemic education.