Source:Effective Ways to Boost Parent Partnerships in Learning | Prodigy | Prodigy Education
Introduction:
Building a strong partnership between parents and teachers is essential for the overall development of a student. This relationship has been proved to enhance the student’s academic performance and social-emotional well-being. Therefore, it is vital to provide teachers with professional development opportunities that will equip them with the skills they need to build effective partnerships with parents. In this blog post, we will explore some of the ways in which professional development can strengthen parent-teacher partnerships.
Creating a common language:
One of the critical elements in building a strong partnership between parents and teachers is establishing a common language. Without clear communication and understanding of common terminologies, it will be difficult to achieve the desired outcomes. Therefore, professional development sessions that can help teachers understand the language and cultures of their students’ families can be beneficial. This will create a comfortable and welcoming environment for parents, leading to increased parental involvement and engagement.
Effective communication:
Maintaining ongoing communication between parents and teachers is essential in monitoring and supporting student’s progress. Teachers may not have the time to communicate with parents regularly, but with professional development, they can learn about effective communication strategies. Workshops on how to create newsletters, using social media and scheduling parent-teacher conferences can be helpful. Additionally, they can learn some active listening techniques, offer feedback and communicate progress reports with parents.
Use of technology:
Technology can be a crucial tool for enhancing parent-teacher partnerships. With the advent of various technological tools, building strong relationships with parents has become more accessible and convenient. Online platforms such as grade books, online portals and email provide a convenient way for teachers to share information and communicate with parents easily. Professional development workshops can provide teachers with the technical skills needed to use various technological tools to build better relationships with the parents.
Positive reinforcement techniques:
Positive reinforcement technique is a tool used to motivate students to behave correctly or perform better in the classroom. However, it can also be used to build better relationships between parents and teachers. Professional development sessions can provide teachers with an opportunity to learn how to use positive reinforcement techniques while interacting with parents. This approach makes parents feel appreciated and valued, contributing to a more meaningful partnership.
Empathy:
Empathy is another vital attribute required to build a strong partnership between parents and teachers. Teachers who understand parents’ reactions and behaviour towards their students are more likely to create an accessible yet professional atmosphere that fosters effective communication and collaboration. Professional development workshops can help teachers cultivate empathy towards parents, understand their challenges and foster strong relationships.
Conclusion:
Professional development sessions on parent-teacher partnerships can equip teachers with valuable skills and knowledge that can help them build meaningful relationships with parents. This will lead to increased parental involvement and engagement, improved student outcomes and a more successful learning environment. As educators, we must continuously evaluate and improve ourselves by participating in such programmes and workshops. The benefits are immeasurable, and the results are long-lasting. Let us work together to strengthen the bond between parents and teachers, and ultimately, the student.
