Parents positive about distance education schools.

Parents positive about distance education schools.

Almost three quarters of parents are satisfied with the way schools and teachers organize distance learning in the first weeks. This comes from a survey by the Landelijk Ouderpanel, a joint initiative of Ouders & Onderwijs and Opvoedinformatie Nederland.

Two thirds of the parents surveyed say that the school provides digital lessons (with or without a teacher). In addition, more than half of the parents indicate that their child could pick up a package of homework assignments at school.

Differences

Parents who are less satisfied mention big differences in how distance education is offered. Some schools and teachers put in a lot of effort and involve parents in a pleasant way. At the same time, there are schools and teachers who take it easy, have no contact with their students, only put homework in the school administration system Magister or send links. Parents especially want more content explanation of tasks.

Satisfied with communication

More than three quarters of parents are (very) satisfied with the communication and information about corona. If parents are less satisfied, they often say it is not clear what is expected of them.

Need for personal contact

Only a quarter of the schools give parents tips on how to teach themselves. This while parents have a strong need to get information about this. Especially as the situation with distance education lasts longer. Parents also say there is interest in personal contact with the teacher or mentor.

Concerns about development

Parents are long-term worried about the effects on their child’s development (40%). What gaps will arise? How will they be noticed? What support will children get then? What will happen in June when decisions have to be made about promotion to the next grade? If the situation lasts longer, it is very important to quickly get more clarity about what comes next. Besides worries about their child’s development, parents also wonder how they can keep working (39%) and keep their child busy now school and daycare are closed (33%).

Position of Ouders & Onderwijs

The research shows that a lot is asked of parents who work from home and support their child’s learning at home. 65% of parents who filled in the survey work from home in the presence of their child, are reachable for work, but are also busy with their child. Parents find this a difficult combination and feel more and more tension between work and family. As the situation lasts longer and pressure grows in families, it is important according to Ouders & Onderwijs that schools think about how they can support parents in providing distance education. It is important to pay attention to children in vulnerable families and especially children who go to special (primary) education. Schools and teachers must stay alert and contact these families.

About the research

Ouders & Onderwijs conducted research together with Opvoedinformatie Nederland among the Landelijk Ouderpanel about parents’ experiences with the effects of the corona crisis now that children hardly go to school or daycare. 1,114 parents took part in the research.