Published by Brunsell on 22 Jun 2010 at 04:31 pm
Parents need help encouraging their kids in science.
A new survey announced today finds the vast majority (94%) of science teachers wish their students’ parents had more opportunities to engage in science with their children. However, more than half (53%) of parents of school-aged children admit that they could use more help to support their child’s interest in science. The survey was conducted by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., among a sample of 500 science teachers and 506 parents, including 406 parents of school-aged children.
While science teachers agree (98%) that parental involvement is important for children’s interest in science, the survey shows it to be among the subjects parents are least comfortable discussing with their kids. In fact, barely half (51%) of parents say they are “very familiar” with what their children are learning in science and only 15% cited it as the subject they feel “most comfortable” discussing with them, compared to 33% for language arts and 28% for math. Approximately seven in 10 parents say they are “very familiar” with what their children are learning in language arts (71%) and math (69%).
Read more here: http://www.nsta.org/about/pressroom.aspx?id=57403
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Brandon on 26 Jun 2010 at 10:40 pm #
I think one possible way to achieve more help from parents using the web! Inviting parents to follow class projects online through blogs or glogs may increase involvement.
I grow weary with the “babysitting mindset” of parents who expect teachers to do everything. I like high expectations but I strongly believe parents are the most influential role models in students on every aspect of students’ lives.
Kevin on 06 Jul 2010 at 10:10 pm #
Parents don’t have to know it all, they just need to encourage their son/daughter to learn the content as best they can. This may include outside reading and/or finding related content on the web.
It’s usually not a time issue, but a priority issue with students as they don’t want to give much effort at times. They have other activities like clubs and sports that they are involved in, it’s hard to concentrate on science.