Parental involvement is an important aspect of a student's education, as it has been proven to significantly improve classroom learning. Research has shown that when parents are actively engaged in their child's education, students tend to perform better academically and exhibit more positive behaviors. The argument, however, has been whether a school should limit the involvement of parents to two strands: Engagement and Involvement or not.

Some parents may be involved in the child’s education process but not engaged. A school of thought advocated by some parental coaches believes that parents whose jobs or businesses may not allow them to always attend school programs or actively speak up during PTA meetings cannot be described as ignorant of their children’s academic lives. They can still be involved and that is all right. They can follow up on emails and messages sent via the school, monitor and track the child’s performances through weekly reports sent by the school with Tech tools such as EDVES and still help the child succeed. This style of parenting does not make them less proactive than parents who actively engage in their ward’s everyday life in school.

We also need to consider that active engagement in your child’s academic life in school may have limits as the child gets older. A child in preschool and primary will need more attention and parental engagement than a child in secondary or tertiary education. At that point, a parent will be limited to just being involved. This helps the child grow successfully into a balanced and independent adult who can thrive anywhere in the world without depending on his or her parents.

The other school of thought advocated by parental coaches views parental involvement and engagement as similar and not distinct from each other. The involved parent is also engaged. Even if the parent is not physically present, responding to emails, chats and messages from the school is a form of engagement. Leveraging on using technology to track your child's performance is also a form of engagement. Both schools of thought however agree that as the child grows older, the level of involvement or engagement of the parents reduces to give room for independence.

Since both schools of thought agree on the importance of parental involvement, here are some ways that parents can be involved in their child's education and contribute to better learning outcomes in the classroom:

1. Communication: Regular communication between parents and teachers is essential in ensuring that both parties are aware of a student's progress and any areas of concern. Parents can attend parent-teacher conferences, communicate via email or phone calls, or join class-related online portals to stay informed and engaged in their child's learning.

2. Home support: Providing a supportive and conducive home environment can help students excel academically. This can include creating a quiet study space, establishing a consistent homework schedule, and encouraging children to read and practice what they have learned in class.

3. Volunteering: Parents can offer their time and expertise by volunteering in the classroom or school. They can help with organizing events, mentoring students, or chaperoning field trips, which not only provides support to the teacher but also allows parents to interact with their child's peers and gain a better understanding of their child's learning experiences.

4. Participating in school events: Attending school events such as open houses, concerts, and sporting events shows students that their parents are interested in their education and reinforces the importance of school. This also helps to create a sense of community and strengthens the relationship between parents and teachers.

5. Encouragement: Encouraging and praising students for their efforts and accomplishments can help to build their confidence and motivation. Parents should celebrate their child's successes and offerconstructive feedback on areas where they can improve, while always emphasizingthe importance of effort over outcome.

In conclusion, parental involvement plays a crucial role in the success of students in the classroom. By engaging with teachers, providing support at home, volunteering, participating in school events, and offering encouragement, parents can help to create a positive learning environment and contribute to better outcomes for their children.

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