The importance of reading comprehension cannot be overstated. It is an essential skill that students must master to succeed in school and beyond. Educators are constantly searching for new ways to improve student’s reading comprehension, and one promising approach is action research involving parents as active participants. This article explores the impact of parent involvement in action research on reading comprehension.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is Action Research?
Action research is a systematic process of inquiry that seeks to improve practice by generating knowledge grounded in the context of where it is carried out. The action research method involves planning, acting, observing, and reflecting. Educators conduct action research with stakeholders to better understand problems, develop interventions, and assess their impact. Action research is most effective when conducted in a participatory manner that involves all stakeholders, such as teachers, researchers, parents, and students.
The Importance of Parent Involvement
Parent involvement is essential for student success. Research shows that when parents are involved in their children’s education, they perform better academically, have better attendance, and exhibit more positive attitudes about school. Parents can work with teachers to support their children’s learning and provide academic and emotional support at home. When parents are involved in action research, they become active participants in the education process, and their contributions can help educators better understand the needs of students.
Impact of Parent Involvement in Action Research on Reading Comprehension
Research has shown that parent involvement in action research can positively impact reading comprehension. Eileen Ferrance examined the effects of a reading comprehension program on student achievement in a low-income urban school. The program engaged parents in action research by providing them with the training and resources necessary to support their children’s reading comprehension at home. The results showed that students whose parents were involved in the program had higher reading comprehension scores than those whose parents were not. The study suggests that parent involvement in action research can significantly affect student achievement.
Best Practices for Parent Involvement in Action Research
There are several best practices that educators can follow when involving parents in action research:
- Involve parents from the beginning: Educators should involve parents in the planning stage of action research. This includes identifying the problem, developing the research question, and selecting the interventions.
- Provide training: Parents should be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate effectively in action research. This includes providing training on how to collect data, analyze findings, and disseminate results.
- Communicate regularly: Educators should communicate with parents about the research progress, the findings, and the implications for their children.
- Create a supportive environment: Educators should create a supportive environment that encourages parent participation and values their contributions.
Implications for Educators
The impact of parent involvement in action research on reading comprehension has several implications for educators. First, educators should consider involving parents as active participants in action research. This approach can help educators better understand students’ needs and develop more effective interventions. Second, educators should provide training and support for parents to participate effectively in action research. This can include workshops, training materials, and ongoing support. Finally, educators should create a supportive environment that values parent involvement and fosters a spirit of collaboration.
Conclusion
Parent involvement in action research is a promising approach to improving reading comprehension. Research has shown that parents perform better academically when involved in their children’s education. When parents actively participate in action research, their contributions can help educators develop more effective interventions. Educators should follow best practices when involving parents in action research and create a supportive environment that values their contributions.