Why Parents Get Upset at Teachers When Students Don’t Participate

The Role of Teachers and Parents in Student Success

When a student fails to participate in class, many parents become upset with the teacher. They often perceive teachers as babysitters or janitors, rather than educators. However, this view can lead to misunderstandings and ineffective solutions. It is important for both teachers and parents to understand their roles in student success.

Conferencing with Parents for Constructive Communication

One of the best ways for a teacher to protect herself while having such a discussion is to schedule a brief conference with the parent and the student present. During this meeting, the teacher can show the parent samples of the student's work, mention the student's level of participation, and discuss any other factors that may be impacting the student's performance.

When the teacher anticipates a difficult conference, she may ask the parent or the student if it would be possible to take part. Additionally, having samples of the student's work can help illustrate the teacher's observations and provide evidence for the discussion. Such conferences can be highly effective in resolving issues and fostering better understanding between teachers and parents.

The Expectations and Responsibilities of Parents and Students

Parents play a crucial role in encouraging their children to participate in class. Students are expected to pay attention, participate, and ask questions when they do not understand. Teachers, on the other hand, should present material at an appropriate level, explain expectations for assignments, and answer questions even if they are repetitive. If a student is not participating in class, it is the responsibility of both parents and teachers to ensure the student is successful.

Once all reasonable efforts have been made to improve the student's participation, if the student still refuses to participate, parents should not be upset with the teacher. Instead, the teacher should communicate the issue clearly and give parents guidance on how to support their child at home. Effective communication is key to achieving a collaborative resolution.

Undergraduate Settings and Explicit Responsibility

In higher education settings, such as undergraduate level college or university courses, the student is considered a minor who can no longer rely on parental guidance for meeting course requirements. Therefore, there is no need for parents to be upset about any grading decisions made by the instructor.

However, in K-12 public school systems, if a teacher decides to fail a student due to lack of participation, it is crucial to examine the reason before criticism. In the specific case of not participating, the teacher may have reasonable grounds for this decision, especially if the student's lack of engagement is disrupting the class or negatively affecting other students.

Understanding the Classroom Dynamics

Understanding the dynamics of the classroom is essential for both teachers and parents. Teachers are responsible for creating an engaging and inclusive environment where all students feel encouraged to participate. This may involve calling on students who do not raise their hands, selecting students randomly, or providing feedback and reinforcement for participation.

If the student explicitly refuses to answer when called upon, it may be labeled as defiance. However, a preexisting bias or a disinterest in the material may also be the cause of the student’s reluctance to participate. It is important for teachers to communicate early and often about any participation issues and involve parents in this process.

In cases where a teacher failed a student due to lack of participation, it is essential to ensure that the failure was not solely based on the student's attitude but rather on clear and objective factors. Teachers should be able to provide specific examples of the student's behavior and explain how it impacted the learning environment.

By working together, teachers and parents can help students succeed, fostering a positive and productive learning atmosphere. Effective communication and mutual respect are key to addressing and resolving issues related to student participation.

Conclusion

The responsibility of student success lies with both teachers and parents. Teachers must create engaging and inclusive learning environments, while parents must ensure their children are prepared and encouraged to participate in class. By understanding and fulfilling these roles, schools and families can work together to support student growth and success.