Supporting Online Learners' Success
Children and teens need parent support to achieve academic success.
Parents are key to student success
Researchers have found that — for all family income levels — students with involved parents are more likely to:
- Earn higher grades and test scores
- Enroll in advanced classes and programs
- Pass their classes, earn credits, and be promoted to the next grade level
- Attend school regularly
- Have better social skills, show improved behavior and adapt well to school
- Graduate and go on to post-secondary education
Parent involvement is just as important for online learning as it is for in-class students. Children and teens are still developing mentally and emotionally. Some of the skills young people are developing are critical to achieving academic success in online learning. These key skills include:
- Verbal communication
- Written communication
- Understanding computer technology
- Academic learning strategies
- Effective time management
- Critical problem-solving
- Persistence and self-motivation
Some students will enter an online learning course or program with well-developed academic skills and strategies, while others will need to develop these valuable skills.
Parents can promote good study habits and strategies by providing additional structure for students at home, and by modeling these strategies themselves.
Parents' checklist for supporting student success
- Encourage your child and give positive feedback.
- Allow your child or teen to ask you for help.
- Encourage your teen or young adult to take responsibility for contacting his or her teachers, rather than having you contact them.
- Familiarize yourself with the curriculum. Work with your child or teen to develop a manageable study schedule.
- Model good time-management strategies, such as developing a personal schedule or daily "to do" list. Help your child to use these strategies.
- Talk to your child or teen about appropriate ways to communicate with teachers and classmates.
- Make sure your child has the necessary basic typing and computer skills.
- Evaluate your child's level of self-motivation. Talk about the many advantages of getting an education and earning a degree.
- Check you child's progress by using whatever methods the school provides (like a parent portal website). Talk directly with your child about his progress and grades and check in with the teachers periodically.
- Provide an optimal study space at home with minimal distractions, good lighting, comfortable seating, working computer and good wrist support.
- Never hesitate to call or write to school staff when you have questions or concerns.
