Effective Parental Engagement for Student Learning

Online

Please note that this course has concluded, although its content remains available for perusal. You can access the modules by enrolling in the course and clicking the "Modules" tab above; however, it is no longer possible to receive the course badge, the module badges, or the course certificate. Finally, please note that support for this course is no longer provided by the course instructors or the Teacher Academy team.

Parents and families have the most direct and lasting impact on children’s learning and development. A stimulating home environment that encourages learning as well as parental engagement in school activities are crucial for a child’s cognitive, social and emotional development. Building family-school partnerships and engaging parents as learning partners from the early years is therefore essential to improving children’s and young people’s development. Research shows that a multidisciplinary approach, with involvement of parents, children, teachers and professionals from the local community is key to resolving behavioural problems of school children.

The course therefore aims to support school practitioners in reaching out and working effectively with parents to ensure students’ success at school and later in life. It addresses a range of areas where school practitioners can build positive relationships with parents and engage them in the learning of students. Throughout the course, participants will develop an activity in one of the areas explored on the course which they can implement in their classroom or school in order to facilitate more effective parental engagement.

The course is targeted primarily at classroom teachers but is also relevant for school leaders and administrators. Parents and community actors are also welcome to join the course and contribute to the discussions and exchanges but should be aware that the main activities will be less relevant for them.