Engaging Parents in Learning

This course explores how teachers can effectively partner with parents to enhance student learning outcomes.

The lessons in this course include:

  • Historical perspectives of the role of parents in education.
  • The research and theoretical models underpinning current policy and practice.
  • Contemporary parent engagement policies and frameworks.
  • Opportunities for, and barriers to, increasing parent engagement.
  • Quality research in parent engagement and future directions for policy and practice.
  • Effective and efficient strategies for engaging parents in their children’s learning.

Course Content

Lesson One: Introduction to Parent Engagement This introductory lesson provides a broad overview, looking at the variety of roles parents play in their children’s learning. 

Lesson Two: Historical Perspectives on the Role of Parents in Education  This lesson looks very briefly at the history of formal education, in order to shed light on how parents’ and schools’ perceptions of the role of parents in learning have changed over time. 

Lesson Three: Research Underpinning Contemporary Perspectives Lesson Three looks at the body of research that underpins contemporary approaches to engaging parents in their children’s learning.  

Lesson Four: Barriers and Opportunities This lesson explores some of the most commonly cited barriers to effectively engaging parents in their children’s education; including access to resources, cultural and linguistic diversity, parent education, work and childcare responsibilities and parent and child health. 

Lesson Five: Parent Engagement Policies and Frameworks Lesson Five examines the main documents and resources currently informing most schools’ parent engagement strategies, including the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians, The Family-School Partnerships Framework, The Family-School and Community Partnerships Bureau and Partners4Learning.  

Lesson Six: Future Directions for Policy and Practice  The purpose of Lesson Six is to look at current research in the field of parent engagement, with a particular focus on what the latest research says about impacts on students’ academic outcomes. 

Lesson Seven: Strategies to Effectively Engage Parents This lesson explores effective strategies teachers can use to engage parents in home learning and in school based learning.

Course Information

Certified for 6 hours of professional learning

Available now on demand. This course is self paced and access does not expire

Recognised by VIT, TRBSA, TRBWA,  TRBNT, QCT and TRBT as addressing APST 3.5, 3.7, 5.5, 7.3

Suitable for: classroom teachers P-12, teacher aides/learning support, casual teachers, specialist teachers, school leaders, tertiary and adult educators and pre-service teachers

Cost:

Teacher: $179

Casual teachers: $69

Group or whole school <50 teachers:  $1890

Group or whole school >50 teachers:  $2590

Teacher Feedback

his was a much more interesting and relevant course than I thought it would be. The idea of autonomy versus authority was completely new to me. (B.H. 9/1/2023)

It allowed many opportunities for me to reflect on my teaching practice, and encouraged me to do so. It also provided me with some new strategies I can implement in class. (C.M. 16/10/2022)

The content was easy to understand and it was relevant. The reflection questions at the end of each section prompted my thinking about how to link the content in my teaching practise. (P.D. 30/8/2022)

Initially it was one I wasn’t sure I would enjoy as I have had a long teaching career and have always welcomed parents into the classroom finding their help & presence invaluable. After this learning opportunity, I have realised how much more there is to be done and have quite a list of recommendations for myself and school. I found the readings excellent, some of which were new to me. I was able to reflect on personal practice and school approaches and appreciate new insights. (M. 13/8/2022)

I liked that it provided a good amount of background information before delving into some practical solutions.

(C. 9/1/2023)

I liked the examples of different ways teachers can encourage parents to actively participate in their child’s learning. Making the learning experiences at home relevant to the material being taught in the school classroom. (M.P. 28/1/2023)

 The course was well-structured. I found the results of the research particularly interesting. (N.W. 3/12/2022)

How to Enrol

Enrol now online for instant access to your on-demand course.

$

Once you have completed this form, you will be able to download a PDF invoice which you can then forward to your school. You will also have the opportunity to set up your online account with a username and password.

If you would like to begin immediately, just have your school administration (e.g. Principal or Office Manager) send us an email confirming they have approved your enrolment and we’ll set you up straight away.

$

With our customized pricing packages, specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of your school, your teachers can collaborate with flexibility. Teachers can undertake this course individually, through small group discussions, or through engaging the entire staff.

$

Assistance and Information

If you would like more information about this course or how to enrol, our team is ready to assist you.