A teacher is an educator who not only shares knowledge and wisdom but also helps students to acquire interest, and virtue about that subject. A teacher always has a fostering and welcoming mentality and partnership with students and parents to help and support the child’s journey. As someone who has walked both sides of this path—as a teacher and a student—I understand the importance of effective communication between educators and parents. This article will give some valuable tips for teachers to give effective feedback for students to their parents.
1. Set an open communication system:
The initial step for giving effective feedback is to have honesty and be open about the information and communication through the channel towards parents about their child. It can be started as with an welcoming message or warm greetings from teachers and parents during the meeting and greet session. Assuring parents about the teacher’s presence in any situation can reduce the tension . It gives a positivity around the situation and creates bonding between students , parents and teachers. The students or parents should not face any difficulty during reaching out to a teacher for any situation.
2. Being to the point and have a sense of time:
The importance of providing feedback is to tell the parents about their child , where they are doing well and flourishing and where they need the attention and can improve easily. The best practice for a teacher is to avoid vague statements and be poorly informed about the topic. It is easy to be specific and particular about the class work , assignments and homework, exam papers as examples and evidence to show the current academic situation of the student. It will showcase the student’s progress , strengths and failures related to studies .
When providing feedback, be specific about what the child is doing well and areas where they can improve. It is best practice for the teacher to avoid vague statements about the student’s progress, instead specify the particular subject, class work, homework or assignment or exam papers as examples and evidence to showcase the current academic situation of the students. There is a huge importance of time and timeliness; it is the key factor to raise an issue or grab the attention of parents towards any bad habits or mischievous behavior of the student. It is best to address it immediately than letting it linger around for a long time.
3. Using constructive word:
The positive and constructive feedback are always useful for the students and parents to understand the academic persuasion in the school. Teachers have to address the strength and positive sides and their efforts on the academic behavior which will create a positive atmosphere during providing feedback. With the discussion with practicality and acknowledgement as the student is improving on the certain subject and needs additional practice, the subject will be easier for them.
4. Inspire to have a two-way communication:
The act of providing feedback is a two way communication. The conversation will take place between the two parties as parents and teachers. The best idea is to encourage the parents to share their thoughts and ideas about their child and help the teacher to educate them in a better way. It gives both parents and teachers a perfect overview about the academic development and progress related to the student and gives a glimpse of their ideal future.
5. Present plan of actions and resources:
The useful way to provide feedback is to give the students plan of action ideas and helpful resources and solutions which will be feasible for the parents and students to incorporate into their daily life and will help them to grow in the future. These resources can be articles , journals , study materials, online examination papers and mock tests for better practice with some tips and tricks for memorisation with studying and learning. Collaboration with parents and asking them to create a strategy for their exams and daily study plans to align with the personal needs of the student and be involved in extracurricular activities.
6. High regard for ethnicity and diversity:
To provide effective criticism and feedback as a teacher , the person has to take care and respect the ethnicity of the student and the cultural diversity related to them. The vacations , holidays and food are completely different for each student. Every family has a unique background , culture and expectations . The teacher has to accept the diversity and allow students to work around them.
7. Follow up:
After providing feedback, follow up with parents to see how they are implementing suggestions and whether there have been any changes or improvements. The idea of having a follow- up with the students and parents about the shared ideas and techniques will showcase the teacher’s investment in the child’s progress and build a strong partnership between the teacher, parents and students.
8. Focus on progress, not just problems:
While it’s important to address areas of concern, also celebrate the child’s progress and achievements. The teacher and parents need to share positive reinforcement to boost the children’s energy, confidence and motivation. Positivity should be used both in home and classroom.
9. Be empathetic and supportive:
Above all, approach feedback with empathy and understanding. Recognize that receiving feedback about their child can be emotional for parents. Offering support and reassurance will emphasize on the idea that the teacher and parents are working together to help the child to succeed.
At Delhi Public School Warangal, sharing feedback is a way to connect with parents, students; it is a cornerstone for the partnership of parent’s teacher and student, which will help the student to succeed in life. With the proper establishment of communication and open conversation , with being specific and positive , encouraging dialogue , helping children with practical support and respecting the idea that every student is different the child will be successful in future. A teacher can empower the students through actions, words and following up , it plays an important role in the child’s life. Together the teacher and parents can create a nurturing environment where the children can have an opportunity to thrive academically and emotionally. With the passion for education and communication a power of effective feedback from teachers will strengthen the relationships and foster the student’s need. It will help to build a bridge between the teacher and parents, ensuring every child has getting the support and encouragement they need to reach their full potential.