"I Think Education Is Very Important": Burmese Refugee Parents' Perspectives on Their Children's Learning

• In Event: From Forced Displacement to Opportunity: Promise and Possibilities in Refugee Education

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore Burmese refugee parents’ perspectives on the challenges they experienced and the support that they expected to receive from schools and teachers. Data sources included interviews and informal conversations. The findings showed that the two major challenges experienced by the participants were language barriers and parent involvement in children’s schoolwork. The findings also represented two kinds of support that the parents expected to receive from schools and teachers: after-school programs and school activities. Findings suggest that the parents’ concerns and family strengths should be acknowledged by teachers, schools, and stakeholders.

Author

• Aijuan Cun, The University of New Mexico