ERIC Number: EJ1014135
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0273-446X
EISSN: N/A
Involving the Parents of English Language Learners in a Rural Area: Focus on the Dynamics of Teacher-Parent Interactions
Shim, Jenna M.
Rural Educator, v34 n3 p18-26 Spr-Sum 2013
In this study, the author suggests that the current ELL parental involvement model often overlooks the structural aspects and power asymmetry of parent-teacher relationships that can hinder productive collaboration. In doing so, the author uses postcolonial theory as a conceptual lens to investigate the dynamics of ELL parent-teacher interactions from rural ELL parent perspectives by looking at those interactions as intercultural relations. The study uses a general qualitative methodology to explore the dynamics of ELL parent-teacher interactions. Three broad themes that emerged as obstacles that inhibit productive ELL parent-teacher interactions were (1) teachers' judgments toward ELL students and their parents, (2) ELL parents' frustration about their inability to influence a teacher's decision making, and (3) ELL parents' fear of repercussions for speaking up. The paper concludes with important implications for teachers working with ELL students in rural areas.
Descriptors: Parent Teacher Cooperation, Decision Making, Rural Areas, English (Second Language), English Language Learners, Second Language Learning, Parent Participation, Power Structure, Intercultural Communication, Teacher Attitudes, Teacher Student Relationship, Qualitative Research, Fear, Parent Attitudes, Interviews, Grounded Theory, Middle School Students, Middle School Teachers, Coding
National Rural Education Association. Web site: http://www.nrea.net
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A