How Important is Parent-Teacher Communication?
Research highlights that effective parent-teacher communication boosts students' language proficiency and reduces behavioral challenges in the classroom.
“When parents foster positive learning environments at home and are engaged in their students’ schooling, kids have much better academic outcomes,” says Matthew A. Kraft, an educational researcher and Associate Professor of Education and Economics at Brown University.
As educators, building strong parent rapport may be one of the most impactful strategies to simplify our work and enhance effectiveness.
Here are 5 actionable tips for improving parent-teacher communication in schools.
1. Open Digital Communication Channels—and Use Them Consistently
In the past, schools relied on written notes and circulars to communicate with parents.
Today, we live in the digital era, equipped with tools like student-information management systems that keep communication consistent and accessible.
However, simply opening digital channels is not enough. The real question is:
How can we effectively use these platforms to foster strong parent-teacher partnerships?
Digital communication tools, such as platforms like DigiBooks, can:
- Send automated messages;
- Announce class updates;
- Share attendance records;
- Provide and share homework, grades, and progress reports;
- Offer data-driven insights on strengths and areas to improve.
Consistency is key. Regular updates through these channels can strengthen parent-teacher relationships and build trust.
2. Set Clear Boundaries for Parent-Teacher Communication
A 2020 study of ESL teachers using communication technologies during the pandemic revealed an important lesson:
The increasingly blurred concept of office hours and teacher-student boundaries made it challenging to manage my role and maintain classroom control,' one teacher noted.
For example, a parent once contacted the teacher on WhatsApp to inform them of their adult child’s absence—an unexpected occurrence in higher education settings.
This highlights an essential point: having communication channels doesn’t mean being available 24/7.
Set clear, transparent boundaries for parent-teacher communication to ensure mutual respect and maintain work-life balance.
3. Make Communication Two-Way
A study in Greece on English language teachers’ perspectives revealed that many described parent-teacher communication as weak.
One common mistake is treating communication as a one-way street—where teachers only send updates, and parents simply receive them.
Research shows that effective parent-teacher communication is two-way:
- Ask parents about their children.
- Listen actively to their concerns.
- Incorporate their input into your teaching strategy.
A study in the Netherlands found that this approach fosters trust and builds stronger relationships between teachers and parents.
4. Educate Parents About Language Learning
Here’s a story:
A few years ago, I met Paolo (not his real name), the father of one of my students. He was worried that his 7-year-old spoke English with an Italian accent.
I reassured him by sharing my own journey toward clear pronunciation and explained that having an accent is normal in a world where English serves as a global lingua franca.
This conversation not only eased Paolo’s concerns but also strengthened our connection.
Many parents have unrealistic expectations about language learning. Educating them on the process can:
- Set clear, realistic expectations.
- Build a shared understanding of what success in language learning looks like.
5. Comment on Students’ Personalities
Nearly two decades later, I still remember a comment my math teacher made—not about my academic skills but about my personality.
My father remembers it, too.
Students are more than their academic performance. They are individuals with hopes, fears, and dreams.
Take a moment to share positive feedback about their personalities during parent-teacher interactions. It shows parents you see their children as unique individuals, which fosters deeper trust and rapport.
What Are Your Tips for Building Parent-Teacher Relationships?
These five tips can significantly enhance parent-teacher communication, leading to better outcomes for students.
Do you have any strategies or stories to share? Let us know in the comments!
