"Children want to be taken seriously!"

What education expert Klaus Hurrelmann advises for distance learning

In principle there is attendance at school, but much of the teaching still takes place at home. And now in some places the school buildings have to close again for days. That's stressful. What do you need to do if you want your child to continue to do his or her schoolwork well? We spoke to the educational researcher Klaus Hurrelmann and asked him for his assessment.

"Children want to be taken seriously!"

The special thing about his research, as he says, is that he and his team talk to children and young people personally. He wants to get a clear picture of what is on their minds.

Without expensive equipment, digital teaching is very difficult

Since our first Interview with Klaus Hurrelmann, it has only become clearer that so-called "distance learning" is super difficult for anyone who does not live in a big house or where children and adults have to share a computer.

In the end, it's simply a matter of money. Because the new, digital teaching requires expensive equipment. "If this is not available, then the children and young people are in a very bad position," emphasizes Klaus Hurrelmann.

Do I have to teach my child maths in distance learning?

After all, you have already experienced distance learning at home. Should the school really be closed for a few days, you will be better prepared. Hurrelmann therefore advises parents to talk openly about their own situation with the teachers right now. Because even without being present in the school building, it is important that the teachers accompany the learning process.

"Influencing the parents now and telling them to do maths with the children or to learn German with the children is probably ineffective. That's the problem, that they have the time, the possibilities and maybe not even the prerequisites for that."

How do I know if my child is overwhelmed with the tasks?

If there are problems in distance learning, you can rely on your child's feedback: "I think it is crucial that children and young people are taken as seriously as they would like to be, even according to our research

Nowadays, it is taken for granted that their teachers do not always know everything better, but that they are accompanied in their learning. They are used to being given the safest possible conditions to practice and improve. (safe environment).

How can I improve the learning situation for my child?

So you can accompany your child in distance learning:

It would be quite possible for the children to meet at home in pairs or in small groups. Together they solve tasks and help each other with problems. This way your child always has his or her "learning contact person".

However, if there is little support from the school, it needs "support from outside, so that someone from the child protection agency or the general social service or a Family Counselling Centre rings the doorbell (Child Protection Association). And then you do it locally, with the participation of the parents."

Conclusion: If there is one thing you can learn from Klaus Hurrelmann, it is that you do not have to overload yourself with tasks that are not feasible. It is important to discuss things well with the teaching staff and to look for support if your child has difficulties with schoolwork.

In our Parents' Hotline Library you will find a variety of contact points for families or parents in special situations. A short description will help you to find the right contact person. Then simply click on the link of your choice.

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