Imagine sitting in a classroom in Samut Prakan on a bright morning back in the heart of 2022. A teacher articulates with verve, engaging students who, eyes wide open, absorb knowledge with earnest curiosity. This moment, captured vividly in a photograph by Wichan Charoenkiatpakul, subtly underscores a vital transformation that education is crying out for in our current era.
Rewind to the nostalgic decades of the 70s and 80s, and you’ll recall the resonant public service announcements that blared across televisions: “It’s 9pm. Do you know where your children are?” These messages invoked a seismic shift in parental awareness and responsibility, a dramatic pendulum swing that reshaped family dynamics for a generation. Fast forward to today in the roaring 2020s, we need a refreshed mantra: “Do you know what your child is doing at school?” This query aims to usher in a much-needed educational metamorphosis, centering parental involvement as a primary pillar of a child’s schooling journey.
Conversations with academicians and deep dives into educational studies reveal a disturbing trend: students are noticeably disengaged, failing to exploit the rich resources available to them. Focus has drifted perilously toward technology and superficial comforts, leaving foundational student learning adrift. The challenge now is to recalibrate the pendulum, ideally redirecting it toward enhancing genuine student engagement alongside social and financial accountability.
The role of parents transcends simply ensuring their children attend prestigious institutions. It delves deep into nurturing intellectual curiosity and discipline within the household. Far too frequently, educators encounter students struggling with learnable skills that should ideally be reinforced at home. Sadly, the lack of parental engagement often necessitates dumbed-down curricula, designed to accommodate rather than challenge the majority.
A striking example comes from my own classroom experience. I handed out a list of class expectations, urging students to discuss them with their parents to align educational goals with real-world professional contexts. Regrettably, weeks later, more than 70% hadn’t even broached the topic at home. Parental excuses ranged from busyness to communicative barriers—fundamental discussions that could enrich classroom participation were starkly absent. Without prior preparation, the vibrant analytical discourse that should characterize a university classroom remains an elusive dream.
A particularly illustrative case involved an undergraduate who failed my course. When his mum confronted me, she was stunned to learn her son had not attended classes, opting instead for AI-assisted shortcuts. Open dialogues at home could have preempted both her surprise and embarrassment while illuminating her son’s academic detours. Yet, the dramatic disconnect persisted, practically undergirding a trend of uninvolved young adults languishing unprepared for the rigors of today’s workplace.
The sphere of disillusionment isn’t confined to tertiary education; it seeps into primary and secondary schooling as well. Driven by a proactive parental approach, I delve weekly into my sons’ academic adventures, often astounded at the scant accomplishments considering the substantial educational expenses. Teachers, unexpectedly, find our insights enlightening—there’s so much more that could be done if parental demands matched educational potential.
Curiously, Thai education is riddled with puzzling practices—students remain tethered to grades dictated by age rather than competence. Despite schools touting competency-based programs, significant barriers remain. Encouraging parents to actively question and challenge these norms could provoke necessary reform, buttressing education with meaningful progress.
And then there’s the often-overlooked realm of physical education. Once characterized by robust engagement, the contemporary perspective leans dangerously towards lethargy masked as body positivity. A staggering percentage of children grapple with obesity, a health crisis stifling both physical and cognitive development. Healthy, active students are invariably more receptive, yet many shy away from needed physical exertion, their avoidance unwittingly echoed by permissive parents.
In essence, parents wield immense influence, setting the stage for productive, engaged learners who thrive under parental guidance and educational stewardship. Reinvigorating parental roles could anchor academic curriculums in vibrant, effective learning. Schools, invariably, would benefit from a consortium of committed teachers, eager students, and informed parents, collectively orchestrating an educational renaissance.
So, we circle back to our compelling question: “Do you know what your child is doing at school?” Engage with this inquiry, dear parents, and shape an educational narrative rich with possibility.
Mariano Miguel Carrera, PhD, is a devoted lecturer at the International College of King Mongkut’s University of Technology, North Bangkok, passionately advocating for transformative educational practices.
It’s absolutely crucial for parents to be more involved in their children’s education. They can’t just rely on schools to do everything.
Totally agree. It’s not just about academics. Parents need to teach life skills too!
But isn’t that what schools are supposedly paid to do?
Schools can’t cover everything. Parental support is irreplaceable.
It’s also about striking a balance. Helicopter parenting can be harmful too.
The problem is that schools aren’t held accountable for truly educating. The system rewards quantity over quality.
That’s because education has become an industry. It’s about numbers, not learning.
Could it be the privatization of education that’s causing this?
I’m trying my best at home, but honestly, I feel like schools don’t support parents enough.
Same here. Communication is key, and it’s lacking from the schools’ side.
Teachers are often overwhelmed. More budget for resources could help.
But we have to find ways to bridge that gap, for our kids’ sake.
Parents are being expected to be mini teachers too? When do they have time to work and earn a living?
Maybe a community approach is needed? Collaboration might lessen individual burdens.
Possibly, but relying on community assumes everyone has equal capability and resources.
Parents need to demand more from schools instead of just blending into mediocrity.
Demanding is pointless if schools don’t have the funding. It’s a systemic issue.
Positive changes start small, though. The system won’t change overnight.
It’s shocking how little is done about physical education. Kids need to move more!
Exactly! Active kids are healthier and more focused. PE should be prioritized.
Indeed! It’s time to bring back the joy of physical activities.
Tech is a double-edged sword. It’s engaging, but can also be distracting if not used properly.
Parents must oversee tech usage. It can aid learning if balanced well.
I agree. Using tech constructively is a skill in itself.
My worry is less about academic outcomes and more about personal growth. Schools should focus on that too.
Academic and personal growth are symbiotic. Schools should nurture both aspects.
Yes, holistic development is key for a balanced life.
Nurturing curiosity is essential. But how many parents actually do it? It’s a rare trait these days.
Parents are often stressed and have little time or energy left for such engagements.
Stress management is an important conversation we aren’t having enough.
Isn’t it ironic how universities sometimes cater more to convenience than actual learning?
Convenience breeds mediocrity. Rigorous education does not cater to comfort.
But rigid systems can also stifle creativity. It’s a fine balance.
As a parent, I often feel guilty for not doing enough, but sometimes, it’s overwhelming.
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Find a pace that works for you and your family.
This topic makes me realize how little I knew about my own child’s school life. Time for change!
I’m still a student, and frankly, I wish my parents were more involved. It would mean a lot.
It’s unrealistic to expect parents to be as engaged as educators. They haven’t signed up for it.
While true, every bit of involvement enhances a child’s educational experience.
I think focusing on parental blame is missing the point. We’re all responsible for education.