Parental Involvement in Academic Attainment
By Pearline Silvanathan
Having spent over a decade teaching and observing students’ academic progress, I’ve come to realise one key factor that consistently contributes to high academic achievement—parental involvement. Whether it’s a child who excels in their studies or one who progresses remarkably over time, I’ve seen first-hand how a parent’s participation in their child’s education can make a world of difference. This belief is shared by many educators, and I feel it’s important to reflect on how parents, no matter where they are in the world, can have a positive impact on their child’s learning journey.
During my time teaching in Primary school internationally, I’ve noticed a significant difference in parental involvement. In Malaysia particularly, for example, parents are incredibly involved in their children’s education. They want to know what their children are learning, how they can help, and what resources are available. While this is beneficial, it can sometimes feel overwhelming for teachers who may be managing a large number of involved parents. Nevertheless, my goal here is to strike a balance and offer simple yet effective ways for parents to engage with their children’s education without feeling overwhelmed, even if they have busy work schedules.
Practical Tips for Parents to Get Involved
Understand What Your Child is Expected to Learn Parents, especially those with busy schedules, might feel disconnected from the learning process. However, schools often send out curriculum overviews or hold meetings to discuss what children are expected to learn by the end of the year. Even if you can’t attend these meetings in person, ask for the slides or materials so you can stay informed. Schools also usually send out weekly learning updates, which can be a great way to track what your child is working on.
If your child struggles with certain topics, these updates can help you plan targeted revision. Many schools also offer paid subscription platforms like Mangahigh, Mathletics, TTRockstar, Literacy Planet, Reading Eggs, BugClub and others, which are fantastic tools that are included in your school fees. Make sure to take full advantage of them!Limit Technology, Focus on Learning It can be tempting to use screens as a quick fix when your child hasn’t finished their homework, but limiting the use of technology is essential for maintaining focus. Encourage your child to complete any outstanding tasks by speaking to their teacher if necessary, and check-in with them regularly. For younger children in Early Years, apps like Seesaw and ClassDojo offer a great way to stay connected with their learning journey at school. Share your screen on the big display and show them the pictures from their classroom activities. Ask your children about their learning experience—who they worked with, whether they felt challenged, and what they found interesting. This not only helps you gain insight into how they’re doing but also teaches them the valuable skill of reflection, which is crucial for their development.
Make Time for Reading One of the most effective ways to support your child’s academic growth is through reading. Research consistently shows that children who read at home are more likely to perform well academically. Simply having books at home and reading a few pages each night can work wonders. Make a habit of having books easily accessible and try to read with your child at least three to four times a week.
Attending Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTC) are a crucial time for teachers to share insights into your child’s progress. If you can’t attend on the scheduled date, don’t hesitate to ask for a different time. These meetings are an invaluable opportunity to ask questions such as, “What can I do to support my child?” and “Where does my child need additional help?” Focus on addressing areas where your child might be struggling, whether it’s academic or behavioural.
Make Use of Holidays and Weekends As a teacher, one of the challenges I often face is the inconsistency of learning during breaks. If your child is struggling in certain areas, try to allocate some time for revision during the weekends or holidays by creating a schedule. However, it’s just as important to balance this with outdoor activities, free play, and rest. Limit screen time, and get your child involved in simple, fun activities like arts and crafts that don’t require a lot of preparation time but are great for learning.
Healthy Eating Habits Believe it or not, what children eat can impact their ability to learn. In my experience, students who maintain a balanced diet tend to have more energy and a better attitude towards learning. Avoid relying on quick, sugary meals like chocolate bread or instant noodles. Instead, plan their meals ahead of time or consider a nutritious school meal plan.
Prioritise Sleep Sleep plays an essential role in a child’s ability to learn and perform well academically. Research suggests that children should get at least 9-11 hours of sleep a night for optimal brain function. Sleep helps with memory, concentration, and emotional well-being, all of which are crucial for effective learning.
The Bigger Picture: Supporting Your Child’s Well-Being
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of academic success, but it’s important to remember that your child’s well-being and overall happiness should be the priority. They don’t need to be at the top of the class to succeed. Understanding your child’s strengths and helping them focus on areas that interest them is key. If they’re doing well academically but struggling with behaviour, it’s important to address their emotional needs as well. If progress is slower than expected, pinpointing where the gaps are and focusing on one area at a time can help.
Lastly, as a parent, your attention matters more than your presence. Put your phone down, be present, and engage in meaningful conversations with your child. Balancing work, home life, and family responsibilities is not easy, but by focusing on one thing you want to be involved in each year, you’ll start to see the positive impact of your efforts.
Remember, the best outcomes are achieved when you and the teacher collaborate, rather than relying solely on the teacher.
If you want to discuss more or need further advice on how to support your child’s learning journey, feel free to get in touch with us. You can reach out via our website at www.collab-education.com.my, or follow us on Instagram @collabeducation.
Click the link below to get your free – Parental Involvement Checklist: A Simple Tool to Get Started!
Sources:
Henderson, A. T., & Mapp, K. L. (2002). A New Wave of Evidence: The Impact of School, Family, and Community Connections on Student Achievement. Southwest Educational Development Laboratory.
Topping, K. J., & Ehly, S. W. (1998). Peer Assisted Learning. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2000). Report of the National Reading Panel: Teaching Children to Read. U.S. Government Printing Office.
- https://www.aitsl.edu.au/research/spotlights/strengthening-parent-engagement-to-improve-student-outcomes
Meet pearline
Pearline, the founder of Collab Education, has over 11 years of experience in prestigious international schools. She’s a seasoned Primary Teacher and Senior Leader with a Bachelor of Honours in Education from the University of Roehampton and a PGCE from the University of Nottingham. She has taught in Malaysia and Egypt and is passionate about parental involvement in education. Ms. Pearline conducts workshops for parents and educators worldwide, including presentations at the International Curriculum Conference and for Renaissance. As both an educator and parent, she firmly believes in a collaborative approach to education and is dedicated to empowering families for successful educational journeys.
