Promoting Parental Involvement Among Plurilingual Immigrant Parents Using Their Heritage Language and Home-Based STEM Activities

• In Event: Considerations for Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander Families in Family, School, Community Partnerships

Abstract

Involving plurilingual immigrant parents in their children's schooling is an understudied area. However, research shows the importance of parental involvement for all. Much literature critiques the existing understanding of the term parental involvement which is based on the practices of white middle-class parents and fails to recognize the common activities valued by immigrant families. This collaborative action research works with immigrant families using linguistically and culturally relevant STEM lessons to find effective ways to foster parental involvement. Our primary finding suggests the usefulness of using heritage languages, parents’ transnational experiences, and considering immigrant households as a space for parental involvement are great ways to familiarize parents with the Canadian school system that may lead to greater parental involvement.

Author

• Sudhashree Girmohanta, University of Toronto - OISE