How can you manage parent expectations in remote learning?

1 Set clear and realistic goals

One of the first steps to manage parent expectations is to set clear and realistic goals for your students and communicate them to the parents. You can use various tools, such as syllabi, rubrics, newsletters, or emails, to inform the parents about the learning objectives, expectations, and assessment criteria for each unit or lesson. You can also explain how you will monitor and support the students' progress and provide feedback. By setting clear and realistic goals, you can help the parents understand what their children are expected to learn and do in remote learning and how they can help them achieve those goals.

2 Establish regular and flexible communication

Another key step to manage parent expectations is to establish regular and flexible communication with them. You can use different channels, such as phone calls, video conferences, emails, or online platforms, to communicate with the parents and update them on their children's learning and well-being. You can also invite the parents to share their questions, concerns, or suggestions with you and respond to them promptly and respectfully. By establishing regular and flexible communication, you can build trust and rapport with the parents and address any issues or challenges that may arise in remote learning.

3 Provide positive and constructive feedback

A third step to manage parent expectations is to provide positive and constructive feedback to the parents and their children. You can use various methods, such as portfolios, reports, or conferences, to share the students' achievements, strengths, and areas for improvement with the parents. You can also highlight the students' efforts, growth, and resilience in remote learning and acknowledge the parents' support and involvement. By providing positive and constructive feedback, you can motivate and encourage the students and the parents and celebrate their successes and challenges in remote learning.

4 Empower and educate the parents

A fourth step to manage parent expectations is to empower and educate the parents to support their children's learning and well-being in remote learning. You can provide the parents with various resources, such as tips, strategies, or links, to help them create a conducive learning environment, manage their children's screen time, or cope with stress and anxiety. You can also share best practices, examples, or stories of how other parents have supported their children in remote learning and invite them to join online communities or forums where they can exchange ideas and experiences with other parents. By empowering and educating the parents, you can help them feel more confident and competent in their role as co-educators in remote learning.

5 Respect and appreciate the diversity

A fifth step to manage parent expectations is to respect and appreciate the diversity of the parents and their children in remote learning. You can recognize that different parents may have different levels of availability, involvement, or preferences in remote learning and adapt your communication and expectations accordingly. You can also acknowledge that different students may have different learning styles, needs, or interests in remote learning and differentiate your instruction and assessment accordingly. By respecting and appreciating the diversity of the parents and their children, you can create a more inclusive and respectful learning community in remote learning.

6 Seek feedback and improvement

A sixth step to manage parent expectations is to seek feedback and improvement from the parents and their children in remote learning. You can use various tools, such as surveys, polls, or interviews, to collect the parents' and the students' opinions, perceptions, or suggestions about your remote teaching and learning practices. You can also analyze the feedback and use it to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses and make adjustments or improvements as needed. By seeking feedback and improvement, you can demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and improvement and enhance your effectiveness and satisfaction in remote teaching and learning.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?